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Abraham L 



BRAHAM UlNCOLN 



LIFE, PUBLIC SERVICES, DEATH 

AND GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

WITH A HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE 

National Lincoln Ionumeht, 

By JOHN CARROLL POWER. 



Iwi:01T-U-3VrElTT^Ij EDIOTIOIT 



4 



'9-2 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. : \ '.'',7^ 'xCV^'!/ 

EDWIN A. WILSON & CO. "-.::; ^/iiNrj j:-^ 

187S. 






Entered according- to Act of Congress, May 8, 1872, 

Bj- John Carroll Powfr, 

In the OflBce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington 



Entered according to Act of Congress, Oct. 16, 1874, 

By John Carroll Power, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, Nov. 4, 1874, 

By John Carroll Power, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



YOUXG ME^- AND WOMEN 

IN THK 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

Of all :>t:itioiis in lite, this voIuiul- is most respectfully 

BIBICATEB; 

With tlie earnest hope that lliey will adopt 
ABKAHA.AI LINCOLN 

As their MODEL, and strive 

to eonforni theii- lives to his standard of 

Truthfulness, Honesty and ex:ilteil Patiioiisni. 

THE AUTHOR 



ONUMEHTAL EDITIO^i 



OF THE 



LIFE OF LINCOLN 



PREFACE. 



In presenting to the reading public a new volume 
on the life of Abraham Lincoln, I do not claim to 
have discovered any new mines of truth, but my aim 
has been to present old truths in a new and attractive 
dress, to divest the subject of all irrelevant and re- 
dundant matter, and give a concise and connected ac- 
count of the life, public services and tragic death of 
the wonderful man whose character seems to enlarge 
and expand the more it is studied. 

I have drawn extensively upon other biographers 
and historians, especially the writings of Hon. I. N. 
Arnold, Dr. J. G. Holland, J. H. Barrett, Ward H. 
Lamon, and others. In addition to the published 
works on the subject, I have derived very great ad- 
vantage from more than four years residence among 
the people where Mr. Lincoln spent nearly thirty years 
of his life, and from a personal acquaintance with 
every member of the National Lincoln Monument 
Association. 

I have not felt called upon to defend Mr. Lincoln's 
character against unfavorable criticisms of his relig- 
ious views. His own words will answer them more 
thoroughly than anything I could say, and I must con- 
fess my astonishment at tindiug in his writings so 



vi PREFACE. 

many places where he unqualifiedly gives expression 
to his belief in the overruling power of divine provi- 
dence, and of his reliance on God for support and 
guidance. This feeling evidently strengthened, as he 
advanced in life. I am one of those who believe that 
God can and does convert men from the error of their 
ways, to be living epistles of the truths contained in 
His word ; and that He did touch and turn the heart 
of Abraham Lincoln, his own words abundantly tes- 
tify. 

That wonderful funeral journey, which has no par- 
allel in human history, except that of the Israelites 
carrying the body of the patriarch Jacob up out of 
Egypt, is delineated in detail. 

The characteristics which distinguish this book from 
all others, touching the life of Abraham Lincoln, are : 
the Map, showing the course of his life and funeral ; 
and the full and minute account of the building and 
dedication of the National Lincoln Monument, erect- 
ed by a grateful people as a visible symbol of their 
desire to commemorate his virtues. 

J. C. P. 
Spkingfield, III., Dec, 1874. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

CHAPTER I 17 

• 

Origin of the Lincoln family ; Probably New England 
Quakers ; Removal to Penns3'lvania, thence to Virgin- 
ia, and from Virginia to Kentucky ; Abraham Lincoln, 
grandfather of the President, assassinated by an In- 
dian ; Thomas Lincoln ; Birth of Abraham Lincoln ; 
His educational advantages; Removal of the family to 
Indiana, and death of his mother. 



CHAPTER II 25 

Abraham Lincoln as a flatboatmau ; Removal of the fam- 
ily to Illinois; The "deep snow;" Abraham builds a 
flatboat in Sangamon county and runs it to market; 
His studious habits; Volunteers to fight the Indians, 
and is elected Captain of a company; Is appointed 
Postmaster; Learns and practices surveying; Is elec- 
ted to the Legislature; Studies law, and removes to 
Springfield; Personal description of himself; His 
marriage ; Elected to Congress ; His debates with Ste- 
phen A. Douglas, and speeches in difierent parts of 
the country, east and west. 

CHAPTER III 37 

Mr. Lincoln's speeches in the New England States ; They 
make deep impressions, North and South ; He is nom- 
inated by the Republican National Convention as a 
candidate for President of the United States, and is 
elected in November, 1860; His farewell address to 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

his old friends in Springfield, on starting for Wash- 
ington City; Incidentsof the journej', at Indianapolis, 
Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburg, Cleveland, Buflalo, 
Albany, Troy, New York City and Philadelphia. 

CHAPTER IV 51 

Conspiracy to assassinate Mr. Lincoln; It is discovered, 
thwarted, and he arrives safely at the Capital ; He is 
inaugurated President of the United States ; The re- 
bellion bursts upon the country; Fort Sumter surren- 
ders; First blood spilled in the streets of Baltimore; 
The great uprising of the people in the North ; Pre- 
liminary Proclamation of Emancipation. 

CHAPTER V 63 

Proclamation issued, emancipating three millions of 
slaves; Is followed by signal success to the Union 
arms; Re-consecration of the Fourth of July ; Mr. Lin- 
coln's Gettysburg speech ; Thanksgiving; Mr. Lincoln 
re-nominated and elected for a second term. 

OHAPTER VI 73 

Mr. Lincoln very broadly hints that he would resign 
rather than return any of the freed people to slavery ; 
Constitutional amendment abolishing slavery ; Spir- 
ited speeches on the subject; Ratified by three-fourths 
of the States; Proclamation declaring the end of 
Slavery in the United States. 

CHAPTER VII 83 

Second inauguration of Abraham Lincoln as President 
of the United States; His remarkable inaugural ad- 
dress; Surrender of the rebel armies; Raising the old 
flag on Fort Sumter ; Oration by Rev. Henry "NVard 
Beecher. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

CPIAPTEK VIII 88 

Belief of Abraham Lincoln that God had a special work 
for him to do, and his willingness to accept the trust; 
Feeling that he would not outlast the rebellion; The 
last words he ever wrote; His assassination; Thrill- 
ing scene in the theatre. 

CHAPTER IX 103 

Surrender of the rebel army under General Lee, and de- 
monstrations of rejoicing throughout the loyal States; 
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and demonstrations 
of mourning throughout the Union; A striking con- 
trast between April 10 and April 15, 1865 ; Preparations 
for the funeral of President Lincoln. 

CHAPTER X 113 

Commencement of funeral services at the Executive Man- 
sion, and in the Rotunda of the Capitol of the nation, 
on the nineteenth of April — also at towns and cities all 
over the Union, and in the Dominion of Canada. 

CHAPTER XI 120 

Multitudes view the remains at the Capitol ; Preparations 
for the Funeral Cortege; Selection of the Guard of 
Honor ; Congressional Delegation ; Illinois Delegation 
and others. 

CHAPTER XII 137 

Closing scenes at Washington, and departure of the Fu- 
neral Cortege ; Arrival at Baltimore, and demonstrar 
tions of respect and mourning in that city; Journey to 
Harrisburg, and manifestations of reverence and sorrow 
at that place ; From Harrisburg to Philadelphia, and 
incidents connected therewith. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS, 



CHxVPTER XIII 132 

Reception at Philadelphia bj^ an immense procession ; 
The remains conveyed to Independence Hall, where 
they lay in state thirty-two hours, passing the Sabbath 
in this sauctuarj' of the Republic ; The dead President 
and the broken Bell ; the tide of people pouring through 
the hall to view the remains; Funeral services in the 
Philadelphia churches; Departure of the Funeral Cor- 
tege, and incidents of the journey through New Jer- 
sey. 

CHAPTER XIV 140 

. The funeral train arrives in New York ; Magnificent re- 
ception and gorgeous procession ; Ceaseless living tide 
through the City Hall, for more than twenty-four hours, 
night and day, to see the face of the dead President; 
Another grand procession escorts the remains through 
the streets; Jewish, Catholic and Protestant divines 
vie with each other in demonstrations of respect to the 
memory of Abraham Lincoln ; Oration of George Ban- 
croft, Prayer by a Jewis Rabbi, and ode by William 
Cullen Bryant, all in Union Square ; General Scott at 
the depot. 

CHAPTER XV 153 

Departure of the train from New York; Demonstrations 
opposite West Point, at Poughkeepsie and other places ; 
torchlight procession across the Hudson river ; Arri- 
val at Albany ; The remains lying in state at the Capi- 
tol; Immense number of people visit the remains; 
Capture and death of Booth, the assassin ; Gigantic 
procession escort the remains to the depot; Departure 
of the Funeral Cortege. 

CHAPTER XVI 159 

Incidents of the journey from Albany to Buffalo; A 
panorama of torch lights, musical societies and bands, 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

military and citizens, through the entire uiglit; arrival 
at Bufialo, and reception there ; Throngs of people 
view the remains ; Canadians come over and take part 
in the demonstrations. 

CHAPTER XVII 166 

Departure of the Funeral Cortege; Incidents of the 
journey, and demonstrations of sorrow along the line; 
Arrival at Cleveland, and magnificent reception ; Tem- 
ple erected for the purpose of exhibiting the remains; 
gorgeous procession ; Religious services; Throngs of 
people. 

CHAPTER XVIII 172 

The Funeral Cortege takes its leave of Cleveland at mid- 
night in a heavy rain storm ; Manifestations of sorrow 
at all the stations and towns on the road ; Arrival at 
Columbus ; Demonstrations of sorrow by the invalid 
soldiers; Great procession; Oration by Hon. Job E. 
Stevenson ; Departure from Columbus. 

CHAPTER XIX 179 

Incidents of the journey, and manifestations of sorrow 
along the road ; Richmond and Dublin, and the Qua- 
kers of Wayne county, Indiana; Arrival at Indiuapo- 
lis; The rain storm; Vast concourse of people view 
the remains throughout a rainy Sabbath ; Rules and 
regulations for running the train; Departure at mid- 
night. 

CHAPTER XX 186 

The people assemble in great numbers at all the towns 
and stations ; Lafayette ; Michigan City ; Arrival at Chi- 
cago; Magnificent funeral arch; Signal guns and toll- 
ing of bells ; Grand procession ; Former rebel soldiers 



TABLE OF CONTEXTS. 



PAGE 

in the procession; Mottoes and inscriptions; Splendid 
decorations; Demonstrations of respect to deceased 
kings of England and to President Lincoln contrasted ; 
Closing the coffin, and a torchlight procession to the 
the depot ; The departure. 

CHAPTER XXI 200 

Journey from Chicago; Demonstrations at stations and 
towns along the route ; Joliet; Bloomington; Arrival 
at Springfield; The procession; The remains at the 
State House. 

CHAPTER XXII 207 

Descriptions of the decorations at the State House ; Gov- 
ernor's Mansion and the Lincoln residence : Mottoes 
and inscriptions; Money expended by the city of 
Springfield; Entertaining the vast multitude; Chicago 
Committee of One Hundred have their photographs 
taken in front of the Lincoln residence ; People march 
past the remains the entire night; No cessation of vis- 
itors for twenty-four hours ; Singing at the State House 
by two hundred and fifty voices ; Funeral procession 
from the State House to Oak Ridge Cemetery; Relig- 
ious services at the tomb ; Funeral oration by Bishop 
Simpson ; Closing scenes at Oak Ridge ; Table of dis- 
tances traveled by the Funeral Cortege. 

CHAPTER XXIII 224 

National Lincoln Monument Association ; Construction 
of a temporary vault on the new State House grounds; 
Newly erected vault not used ; Remains deposited in 
the public vault at Oak Ridge; Entry in the register; 
National Lincoln Monument Association organized 
under the laws of Illinois ; Personnel of its members ; 
Elects officers and adopts by-laws ; Decides to build the 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



mouument at Oak Rigde, and builds a temporary vault 
there ; Advertise for designs for a monument ; Adopt 
that offered by Larkin G, Mead ; Entered into contract 
with Mr. Mead for the statuary ; Order statue of Lin- 
coln and United States Coat of Arms to be made; Con- 
tract with W. D. Richardson to build the architectural 
part of the monument. 

CHAPTER XXIV 235 

Ground broken and work commenced on the monument 
Statement of the assets of the Association ; Executive, 
or Building Committee ; Description of the monument ; 
Engraving of ground plan, with explanation; Engra- 
ving of terrace, with explanation ; Engraving of eleva- 
tion of the crypts, with explanation; Engraving of sec- 
tional view of the monument, with explanation ; Ash- 
lars, containing the names of the States ; Engraving of 
round pedestal, with explanation; Engraving of U. S. 
Coat of Arms, with explanation; Engraving of the 
monument as it will appear when completed, with ex- 
planations. 

CHAPTER XXV 350 

History and description of the stone from the wall of 
Servius Tullius. 

CHAPTER XXVI 257 

Hsstory of the design and progress of the work ; criti- 
cisms on the statue of Lincoln ; It is pronounced a sig- 
nal success; Death of Thomas (Tad) Lincoln, and de- 
positing his remains in the monument; Governor 
Palmer becomes a member of .the Association; Re- 
mains of President Lincoln removed from the tempo- 
rary vault into the crypt designed for it in the monu- 
ment. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



CHAPTER XXVII 263 

Raising the money to build the monument ; Contribu- 
tions by the Sunday School children; Colored people; 
Churches; Free Masons; Odd Fellows; Indians; Sol- 
diers; Missionary sends money from Hong Kong, Chi- 
na; Sunday School in Alaska; Citizens of New York; 
of Boston ; The only three States contributing to the 
funds ; Work all paid for as far as completed ; Tributes 
of the Nations, or Expressions of Condolence and Sym- 
pathy; Present membership of the Association; Exec- 
utive Committee. 

CHAPTER XXYIII 277 

Appropriation of ten thousand dollars by the State of 
New York ; Special Committee visit Chicago, and un- 
expectedly receive proposals to furnish the means to 
pay for the Infantry Group ; Visit New York City and 
receive pledges for the Naval Group ; They visit Chic- 
opee, Mass., and pronounce the Statue of Lincoln a 
success; Great fire in Chicago; Gentlemen voluntarily 
stand to their pledges made before the fire; Infantry 
Group ordered ; Money raised for the Naval Group, and 
order given for the work to proceed ; Both Groups 
modeled; Progress of the casting and finishing; Bos- 
ton pledges the money for the Cavalry Group ; Phila- 
delphia pledges the money for the Artillery Group; 
Gov. Oglesby's visit to Hon. Wm. M. Seward. 

CHAPTER XXIX 289 

Time fixed for dedicating the National Lincoln Monu- 
ment; Reunion of the Society of the Army of the Ten- 
nessee ; Preparations for doing honor to both events ; 
Triumphal arches; The selection of an Orator by the 
Monument Association; President Grant, Gov. John 
A. Dix, Hon. Gideon Wells, Hon. O. P. Morton, and 
Hon. R. J. Oglesby; Committee on Invitations and re- 
sponses to the same ; The Army Reunion ; Decorations 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

in the city; the Procession; Arrival at Oak Ridge 
Cemetery; Historical address by Hon. J. K. Dubois, 
including financial statement of the Association ; Ora- 
tion by Hon. R. J. Oglesby ; Dedication of the Na- 
tional Lincoln Monument; Unveiling the Statute; 
Dedication Poem, by J. J. Lord ; Addresses by Presi- 
dent Grant, Vice President Wilson, Hon. U. F. Linder, 
Gen. W. T. Sherman, and Hon. Schuyler Colfax ; Lar- 
kin G. Mead ; Bedediction by Rev. Albert Hale. 

CHAPTER XXX 339 

Explanations of the symbolic meaning of the Monument 
and Statuary ; Vice President Dubois, Sec'y Hatch and 
Treasurer Beveridge ; Hon. John T. Stuart and Abra- 
ham Lincoln; Appointing a Custodian; Success of 
the Association. 

CHAPTER XXXI 346 

History and description of Oak Ridge Cemetery, with a 
Map. 



LIFE OF LINCOLN. 



MONUMENTAL EDITION. 



CHAPTER, I. 



About the year ]75'2, a family of Lineolns removed 
from Berks county, Pennsylvania, to Rockinp:ham 
county, Virginia. In his "Life of Abraham Lincoln," 
Dr. J. G. Holland speculates, with much plausibility, 
of the probability that some of the Lineolns among 
the ^fassachusetts Friends, usually called Quakers, 
emigrated, with other Ncav England Puritans, to Penn- 
sylvania, and that in time they, or their descendents, 
removed to Virginia. From a paper written in De- 
cember, 1859, by Abraham Lincoln, at the request of 
Hon. Jesse W. Fell, of Bloomington, 111., I find that 
he gives expression to similar views with reference to 
the Quaker origin of the family, but without anything 
more definite than the conjectures of Dr. Holland. A 
fac simile of the paper referred to above may be found 
covering, three pages in Lamon's Life of Lincoln. I 
have good reason to believe that it was unknown to 
Dr. Holland at the time he wrote. 

Daniel Boone, at the head of a small party of ad- 
venturers, left his home on the river Yadkin, in South 
Carolina, in the year 1769, to ex};lore that part of Vir- 
ginia, then known as the "Country of Kentucky." 
After suffering great hardships for about two years, 
the party returned with glowing accounts of the result 
of their expedition. In 1775, Boone, with others who 
were charmed with the reports brought back by the 
first party, organized another, and with their families 
went into Kentucky for the purpose of becoming pei'- 
maneut residents. 
2 



18 . LIFE OF ABRAHAM T.INCOLX. 

The "Revolntionarv strncu-le came on, and the weary 
years of war and bloodshed M^ore away, and still those 
hardv frontiersmen held their ijronnd among' the sav- 
ages. As the war dreAv to a close, and Independence 
Avas achieved, reports went back from the wilderness 
to the colonies, then become States, of the fertility of 
the soil, abundance of game and mildness of climate, 
in what came to be called the ''Dark and Bloody 
Ground.'" 

Amono: those for whom the new country had 
charms, was a man in Rockingham county, Virginia, 
bv the name of Abraham Lincoln. I shall not at- 
tempt to exhibit the Lincoln family tree, but will con- 
tent myself with following this one branch. He re- 
moved to Kentucky about the year 1781 or 1782, 
taking Avith him a young family. As near as can be 
ascertained, he settled in what is now Bullitt, but 
others say Mercer, county. In the year 1784, while 
Abraham Lincoln was at work in his field, uncon- 
scious of danger, he was stealthily apjiroached by an 
Indian and assassinated, being shot dead. He left a 
widow with five children. The widow subsequently 
removed to a place now in the limits of Washington 
county, and there brought up her family as best she 
could. Three of these children were sons, who were 
named in the order of their births: Mordecia, Josiah 
and Thomas. The two daughters were named Mary 
and Nancy. Both married in Kentucky and remained 
there. Mordecia lived in Kentucky until late in life, 
when he removed to Hancock county, Illinois, where 
he left a number of descendants. Josiah, when young, 
removed to Harrison county, Indiana. Thomas, the 
third son, who was born in Virginia in 1778, in con- 
sequence of the early death of his father and the pov- 
erty of the family, was sutiered to grow up in ignor- 
ance, and wandered about, laboring whenever and 
for whatever wages he could command. He never re- 
ceived any education from books, but mechanically 



LIFE OF AERAHAM LINCOLN. 19 

lenrned to write his name. He remained a bachelor 
until he was twentv-eiiLrht years of age. In 18()() 
Thomas Lincoln was married to Miss Nancy Hanks, a 
vonng ladv who came from Vinrrinia to Kentucky with 
some of the early settlers. Previous to his marriage, 
Mr. Lincoln had prepared a cabin for his future home 
in Hardin county. Into this humble dwellino; he took 
his vouuo; bride, and remained there until three chil- 
dren were born : Sarah, Abraham and Thomas. The 
latter died in infancy, leaving only Sarah and Abra- 
ham. Abraham, of whose life I am writing, was born 
February 12, 1809. 

Thomas Lincoln, the father, was a strong, healthy 
man, about five feet ten and a-half inches high. From 
his circumstances and surroundings he was compelled 
to dress plainly, but ho was a man who was respected 
by all who knew him. Mrs. Lincoln was quite tall, 
being five feet five inches high, and was a "slender, 
pale, sad and sensitive woman, with much in her na- 
ture that was truly heroic, and much that shrank from 
the rude life around her." 

Poverty was the lot of all in this humble home, but 
the father and mother were both pious, and sought at an 
early age to impress the minds of their children with 
religious truth, but religious institutions were exceed- 
ingly rude and irregular. For many years young 
Abraham Lincoln never saw a church, but he occa- 
sionally heard Parson Elkin preach. He Avas a Bap- 
tist, and Thomas and Nancy Lincoln being members 
of that denomination, he was frequently attracted to 
their cabin. The first ideas of public speaking Abra- 
ham ever received was from the sermons of Mr. El- 
kin. 

Schools were scarce and very inferior. To supply 
the deficiency, Mrs. Lincoln, having received more 
education than her husband, would read aloud to lier 
son and daughter from the few books that could be 
obtained in the neigh borliood. 



20 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

Ynnno; men and women who have enjoyed tlie ad- 
vnntafres of scliools as thev are now systematized in 
all the northern and some of the sonthern States, can 
not realize "the almost entire destitntion of the means 
for developinir and improvin;^ the mind. Such estab- 
lishments as the large publishing houses, with their 
classified series of text books, in almost every branch 
of learning, were then unknown. The schools were 
usually kept in houses that would be thought unfit for 
the protection of horses or cattle at the the present 
time. 

The studies were confined to spelling, reading, writ- 
ing and arithmetic. Grammar and geography Avere 
unknown. Such a thing as a dictionary was seldom 
or never seen by anv person connected with the schools. 
The books in use were, Dilworth's spelling book, and 
for reading, any book, on any subject, that happened 
to fall into the hands of the diiferent families. A 
country school is remembered by the writer about fif- 
teen years later than the time Abraham Lincoln com- 
menced his studies, and in a better part of Kentucky, 
when Dilworth's spelling book had given place to 
"Webster's. The following is a partial list of the books 
used, as the best that could be obtained, by a large 
number of boys and girls about equally advanced in 
their knowledge of reading. Almost any Kentuckian, 
unless his lot was cast in some of the larger towns or 
cities of the State, has seen its counterpart. Tiiere 
being no possibility of classification, they would be 
called up to recite in something like the following or- 
der: The Bible, ^sop's Fables, Life of Washington, 
Robinson Crusoe, Kew Testament, Revised Statutes 
of Kentucky, Life of Marion by Horry, a book of 
Western Adyentures, English Reader, Charlotte Tem- 
ple, Columbian Orator, Thaddeus of Warsaw, De- 
bates on Baptism, between Campbell and McCalia, 
and others about as well selected. 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 21 

At about seven years of age, Abraham Lincoln was 
sent to a school, of which the above is, no doubt, a fair 
description. The only aid in his studies Avas an old 
copy of Dilworth's spelling book. He went two or 
three months to that teacher, and within that year 
went about three months to another teacher. With 
the instruction he received from these two teachers, 
Zachariah Riney and Jacob Hazel, and the aid of his 
mother, he learned to read and write legibly. The 
instruction the boy received from his mother was, 
no doubt more valuable to him than the schools. 
Later in life, Lincoln, speaking of his education, said: 
"If a straggler, supposed to understand Latin, hap- 
pened to sojourn in the neighborhood, he was looked 
upon as a wizzard." 

That part of the country in which Abraham Lin- 
coln was born has since been separated from Hardin 
and erected into a new county, called Larue, with 
Hodginsville as the county seat. Hodginsville is 
about fifty miles south by east of Louisville, thirty- 
live miles northeast of the Mammoth Cave, and 
eight or ten miles east of the Louisville and Nash- 
ville railroad, either from Glendale or Nolensville 
stations. The nearest point from Hodginsville to the 
Ohio river is thirty-tive miles northwest, through 
Elizabethtown, the county seat of Hardin county, to 
West Point, at the mouth of Salt River. 

The cabin in which he was born was situated about 
one and a-half miles from Hodginsville, on Nolen's 
Creek. The family remained there a year or two after 
his birth, and then removed to a cabin on Knob 
Creek, on the road from Bardstown, Kentucky, to 
Nashville, Tennessee, at a point three and a-half miles 
south or southwest of Atherton's Ferry, on the Roll- 
ing Fork of Salt river, and six miles east or northeast 
of Hodginsville. As the family of Thomas Lincoln 
increased, he became dissatistied with his situation. 
The laud where he lived was much of it broken, poor 



22 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

and stonv, and besides these disadvantap:es. Kentucky 
was exceedincjly iinfortunate in its early settlement on 
account of the insecurity of its land titles. From 
this combination of causes, he determined to sell his 
small estate and emitrrate west of the Ohio river. The 
price he asked for his home was $300. In the vear 
1816 he found a purchaser, by taking; his pay princi- 
pally in Avhiskv and a small amount of money. As 
soon as his sale was eifected he built a small flat boat, 
launched it on the waters of the Rolling Fork, loaded 
it with his whisky and heavier household goods and 
farming utensils, and commenced his journey alone. 
He floated safely down the Rolling Fork into Salt 
river and entered the Ohio. Here he met with the 
misfortune of having his boat upset, by which he lost 
about two-thirds of his load. Obtaining assistance, 
his boat was righted and he continued his voyage until 
he landed at Thompson's Ferry, now the town of 
Rockport, Spencer county, Indiana. He at once pro- 
cured conveyance for his goods and took them about 
eighteen miles north, to a point near the present town 
of Gentryville, in the same county. He left his goods 
in the care of a settler, and returned to tiie river, and 
after crossing it, proceeded on foot to his Kentucky 
home, taking as near a straight course as })ossible. He 
at once commenced preparations for removal. The 
bedding and clothing for the family was packed upon 
tiiree horses, and all set out overland for their new 
h(jme. They occupied seven days in making the 
journey, and at the end of that time met with 
neighborly assistance in erecting a dwelling, and were 
soon ready to begin life in tlie wilderness. 

Tlie first journey, including the river voyage and 
land travel, must have been at least two hundred 
nules; altliough, on a straight line, the points of de- 
parture and destination were less than one hundred 
miles aj)art. He had movetl about seventy-five miles 
west and fifty nortii and exchanged a slave for a free 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LTNCOT-X. 23 

State. The removal took ])lace in the autumn of 1 SI G 
when Abraham Lincoln was in the eisfth year of his 
age. About two years after their settlement in Indi- 
ana his mother sickened and died, in the fall of 1818, 
leavinicr her husband, son and danghter to mourn her 
loss. The ability of Abraham to write M-as now for 
the first time found to be an acquisition of real utility. 
Tn their affliction, both father and son thoucrht of 
their old friend Parson El kin, and it was finally de- 
cided that Abraham should write to him imforming 
him of the death of Mrs. Lincoln, and ask the parson 
to come and preach the funeral. The preacher wrote 
them in reply, that he would be there on a certain 
Sunday and comply Avith their M'ishes. Notice was 
jgriven of the time set for the funeral, and about two 
hundred persons were collected from an area of nearly 
twentv miles in diameter. The minister was there at 
the appointed time, and taking his stand at the foot of 
the grave, with his congregation seated on logs and 
stumps, preached a sermon suitable to the occasion. 
The memory of his mother was always held sacred by 
Abraham Lincoln. After he had acquired great fame, 
while in conversation with a friend he said, with tears- 
in his eyes, "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to 
my angel mother." It has been said that the forego- 
ing remark was made concerning his step-mother, but 
that is not very probable, as she was living at the 
time the remark was made. That he was strongly 
attached to her there can be no doubt. 

A gentleman who resided at Charleston, Coles Co., 
111., was present when Abraham Lincoln visited his 
step-mother soon after he was elected President, in the 
fall of 1860, and gave to the writer a description of 
the parting scene, which, if truly portrayed, would se- 
cure fame to tlie artist who should execute it. He said 
that wiien Mr. Lincoln was about to take leave of the 
aged, white-haired matron who had so faithfully sup- 
plied the place of a mother, she approached him with 



24 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

totteriii£r steps, snrroiinded by her hnrable neighbors, 
and leaning npon his breast, in faltering tones sobbed 
out the words, "Abram. I feel that I shall never see 
yon again." As Mr. Lincoln stood, his tall form tow- 
ering alcove hers, his left arm around her neck, his 
right hand raised and pointed towards Heaven, he ut- 
tered the single word, "Mother." He could say no 
more, and after standing a few moments in silence, 
with his head slightly inclined forward, they slowly 
separated to meet no more on earth. 



CHAPTER II. 



When he was about twelve years of age, one of 
the neighbors, named Andrew Crawford, commenced 
teachino; a school in his own cabin, and Abraham 
made diligent use of this opportunity to improve his 
mind. The same obstacle presented itself here that 
existed in Kentucky, with reference to books, but 
such as found their way into the new settlement, were 
secured for the bov to read. Some of the books read 
about that time, made a lasting impression on his 
mind. Among them were the Pilgrim's Progress, by 
John Bunyan ; the life of Washington, both by 
Weems and Ramsey; the life of Henry Clay; iEsop's 
Fables, and other books of like value. 

In the latter part of 1819, a little more than a year 
after the death of his wife, Thomas Lincoln returned 
to Kentucky, and married Mrs. Sally Johnston, of 
Elizabethtown, a widow lady with three children. 
She proved to be a kind step-mother, and the two 
families grew up in harmony. 

In 1822, Sarah Lincoln was married to a young 
man named Aaron Grigsby. She died about a year 
after her marriage, and thus Abraham was motherless 
and without a brother or sister. 

In the year 1828, when Abraham was nineteen 
years of age, a neighbor applied to him to take charge 
of a flatboat and its cargo, and, in company witli his 
own son, run it down the Mississippi river and sell it 
at the sugar plantations near ^ew Orleans. The 
business was placed entirely in his hands. They 
started from the town of Rockport, Spencer county, 



26 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

and made a snccepsfnl trip, _2:iving: satisfaction to all 
parties. On their return, they Avalked the greater 
portion of the distance. 

Abraham Lincoln had.lonj^ before his flathoat trip, 
ceased to attend any school. Summing up all the 
time spent under his five teachers, it did not amount 
to more tlian about one year, and the most that coukl 
be said of liis attainments, was that he could "read, 
Avrite and cipher," but he was always reading or 
studying at every leisure moment. 

After living thirteen or fourteen years in Indiana, 
and the children of both families grew to be men and 
women, all became dissatisfied with their location. 
The country continued to be unhealthy, and to extend 
farming required a great amount of labor to remove 
the timber. They had heard of the prairies of Illinois, 
and decided to send Dennis Hanks, a relative of Mrs. 
Lincoln, to examine the new country. He returned and 
reported very favorable. Mr. Lincoln disposed of his 
interests in Indiana, and on the first of March, 1830, 
started in search of a home. They entered the State of 
Illinois by crossing the \\'abash river at Vincennes,and 
continued their course to the northwest through I^aw- 
renceville, near the site of the present town of New- 
ton, in Jasper county, and through Charleston, Coles 
county. The roads, or rather the country, was very 
muddy, and it took them fifteen days to travel about 
two hundred miles. Abraham drove one of the ox 
teams, and was afterwards remembered by some of 
the citizens along the route on account of his being so 
tall. 

Thomas Lincoln selected a spot on the north side 
of Sangamon river, where timber and prairie were 
convenient to each other. It was in Macon county, 
about ten miles west of Decatur. Abraham assisted 
his father in buikling a log cabin, and in s])litting 
rails and fencing ten acres of land. After tliis, he 
worked for hire among the neighbors. A part of his 



T.TFE OF ABRAHAM I.INCOLX. 27 

work at that time was breaking fifty acres of ])rairie 
with four yoke of oxen. The expectation that their 
new home would be a more healthy location, proved 
to be a sad disappointment. In the autumn of the 
first year, nearly all of the new emigrants were afflicted 
with fever and ague. The winter of 1830-31 is re- 
membered as the winter of the "deep snow." I quote 
from an address by President Sturtevant, before the 
old settlers association at Jacksonville: "In the inter- 
val between Christmas, 1830, and January, 1831, snow 
fell over all central Illinois to a depth of fully three 
feet on a level. Then came a rain, with weather so 
cold that it froze as it fell, forming a crust of ice over 
this three feet of snow, nearly if not quite strong 
enough to bear a man, and finally, over this crust of 
ice there was a few inches of very light snow. The 
clouds passed away, and the wind came down upon 
us from the northwest with extraordinary ferocity. 
For weeks, certainly for not less than two weeks, the 
mercury in the thermometer tube was not, on any one 
morning, higher than twelve degrees below zero. 
This snow fall produced constant sleighing for nine 
weeks." 

in the spring of 1831, the Lincoln family retraced 
their steps in part, leaving Macon for a better locality 
in Coles county, not far Ironi Charleston. That con- 
tinued to be the home of Thomas Lincoln until his 
death, which occurred January 17, 1851, in the 
seventy-third year of his age. 

After the removal of the family to Coles county, 
Abraham never made his home in his father's house. 
Luring the winter of the deep snow, he made an en- 
gagement for himself, his step-brother, John L. Jolin- 
ston, and John Hanks, a relative of his own mother, 
to take a fiatboat to Aew Orleans. They were to 
meet their employer at tSpringfield, which they did 
about tlie first of March, to learn that the enterprise 



28 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

was a failure, in consequence of the inability of their 
employer to obtain a boat. 

An arrangement was then made for the three to 
build a boat at Sans:amo, on the south bank of the 
Sansramon river, about seven miles northwest from 
8j)riiio;field. After the boat was finished, it was floated 
down below New Salem, now in Menard, then a part 
of Sangamon county, where the boat was loaded for 
the trip, a part of the cargo being live hogs. The 
voyage was a success, the running of the boat and 
selling the cargo being under the direction of Mr. 
Lincoln. On his return, he became a clerk in the 
store of Mr. Offutt, who had fitted out the boat. The 
store was at New Salem, a town now extinct. 

In connection with all the hard labor he had per- 
formed, Mr. Lincoln was a constant reader, making 
tlie best choice he could from the scanty materials to 
be obtained. AVhile clerking in the store at New 
Salem, he borrowed a copy of Kirkham's grammar, 
and mastered its intricacies. It was while he was 
clerking in this store that the people began to call 
him " Honest Abe." After spending about one vear 
in the store, his employer failed, and he was thrown 
out of business. 

In 1832, the Indian war, headed by the chief Black 
Hawk, broke out, and young Lincoln, now twenty- 
three years of age, enlisted for the fight. When the 
time came for the election of a captain for his com- 
pany, a Mr. Kirkpatrick was candidate. Mr. Lincoln 
had previously worked for Kirkpatrick, and found 
him so tyrauicul that he refused longer to remain in 
his employ. Lincoln was put forward as a candidate 
for the same office, by a party of young men, without 
any aspirations for tlie office on his part. The candi- 
dates took })ositions some distance I'rom the men, and 
at a given signal they fell to the rear of their favorite. 
Lincoln received about three-J'ourths of the votes. In 
after lile he often referred to this incident, and cou- 



LIFE OE AEHAHAM IJNCOT,N. 29 

fesserl tlint no siibsequent success crnve him lialf the 
satisfaction that this election difl. Captain Ijincoln's 
com])any did a great amount of marching, but was 
not in any battle. The time for which the men en- 
listed expired before the closing of the war, and manv 
of them went home, bnt Captain Lincoln and some 
of the men re-enlisted and served until Black Hawk 
was taken prisoner and his followers dispersed. 

The rendezvous of the soldiers before starting for the 
enemy was at Beardstown. While in camp, Captain 
Lincoln became acquainted with Captain John T. 
Stuart, who was soon after elected Major of a spy 
battalion. Thus commenced the acquaintance between 
these two men which ripened into the closest friend- 
ship and continued until the death of Mr. Lincoln. 

After his return from the war, Lincoln became a 
candidate for the legislature, but failed to be elected, 
not for want of personal popularity, but because he 
espoused the weakest side in politics, being a AVhig. 
The official poll-books for New Salem precinct, Avhere 
he lived, show that Lincoln received 277 votes, when 
at the same time the combined vote of the Whig and 
Democratic candidates for congress was only 276. 

Being out of business, Lincoln was about to com- 
mence learning the trade of a blacksmith, but soon 
abandoned the idea, and took an interest in a store. 
That proved to be unprofitable, and he abandoned it 
in about one year, because he was unable to pay his 
debts. He was postmaster at New Salem during tlie 
time he kept that store, which gave him access to all 
the newspapers he could read. The postoffice at New 
Salem was abolished while he was postmaster, and the 
business removed to Petersburg. The village of New 
Salem in a short time ceased to exist. 

Soon after his failure in business, a chance for remu- 
nerative emjiloyment presented itself. John Callioun, 
wlio many years later took part in the Kansas trou- 
bles, waS; at the time we speak of, surveyor of Sanga- 



30 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LIXCOLX. 

nion county. He was anxious to have an assistant 
wliom lie could trust. Having; observed Lincoln's 
studious habits, and knowing him to be honest, he told 
him that if he would study surveying;, he could have 
all the work he desired, and be well paid for it. Cal- 
houn offered the use of the necessary books. Lincoln 
accepted them, and in a few weeks was ready for the 
business, and follo\ved it more or less for two or three 
years. During that time he did the surveying in lay- 
ing out the town of Petersburg, the county seat of 
ISIenard county. He also surveyed much of the sur- 
rounding country. 

In 1834, Abraham Lincoln was again a candidate 
for a seat in the legislature, and was elected, reeeiv- 
the highest vote cast for any candidate. When the 
time arrived for the assembling of the legislature, 
Lincoln laid aside his com{)ass, and with a package 
of clothing, went on foot to Vandalia, the capital of 
the State, about one hundred miles distant. Hon. 
Jesse K. Dubois — then a Representative from Law- 
rence county, but now of Springfield — and Lincoln 
were the two youngest members of the House. That 
session commenced in December, 1834. During the 
whole time, Lincoln said little but observed all that 
was done by others. He was constantly in his place, 
and faithfully discharged every duty assigned him on 
the various committees. Major John T. Stuart was 
one of Lincoln's colleagues from Sangamon county, 
and they roomed together at Vandalia. As they were 
taking a walk one morning after breakfast, Lincoln 
asked Stuart's advice "vvith reference to the study of 
law, and Stuart advised him to begin at once. Lincoln 
said he was poor and unable to buy books. Mr. 
Stuart was alreaily in a successful practice at Spring- 
field, and offered to loan him all the books he would 
require. The offer was gratefully accepted, and when 
the session closed, Lincoln returned home as he went 
— on foot. When he was ready to begin his studies, 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LIXCOLX. 31 

he -walked to Sprincrfield. a distance of about twentv- 
five miles, borrowed enoneh books to make a com- 
mencement, and returned with them to New Salem. 
He would study as long; as his money lasted, and as 
the op]>ortunity to do more surveying ^iresented itself, 
he M'ould earn all the money he could and return to 
his studies. 

In the autumn of 18.30, Mr. Lincoln was admitted 
to the bar in Springfield, and about the same time re- 
elected to the State Legislature. Sangamon county 
was entitled to two Senators and seven Representa- 
tives. At that term the entire delegation were so tall 
that theyAvere then and have always since been called 
the "Long Nine." Some of them Avere a little less 
and some a little more than six feet, but their com- 
bined height was exactly fifty-four feet. None were 
taller than Abraham Lincoln. The statement written 
by himself, in December, 1S59, at the request of Hon. 
Jesse W. Fell, of Bloomington, contains this para- 
gragh : " If any personal description of me is thought 
desirable, it may be said I am in height six feet, four 
inches nearly; lean in flesh ; weigh, on an average, 
one hundred and sixty pounds; dark complexion, 
with coarse, black hair, and gray eyes — no other 
marks or brands recollected." It was at the session 
of 1836-7 that the capital was removed from Vanda- 
lia to Springfield. At the close of that session, Mr. 
Lincoln walked home as before. His Springfield 
friend, Major Stuart, at this time made him an offer 
to become his partner in the practice of law, Mhich 
he accepted, and from April 27, 1837, Springfield was 
his home. Here he was warmly welcomed on account 
of his efficient aid in securing the removal of the capital 
to Springfield. The people were still anxious to keep 
him in the Legislature, and he was elected in 1838 
and again in 1810, but after that declined to be a 
candidate. 



32 I-IFE OF ABRAHAM IJ.\COI,X. 

Tlio firm of Stuart i^- Tiinr-oln rnntinued to prnetiee 
until April 14. 1841, wlieii Mr. Stuart was clectocl to 
a seat in the U. S. House of Representatives, Avhich 
made it necessary to dissolve the law firm. Mr. Lin- 
coln at once formed a partnership with Judge S. T. 
Logan, then and now a citizen of Springfield. They 
were partners until 1845. He then formed a partner- 
ship with William H. Herndon, as Lincoln & Hern- 
don, w^hich continued to the end of his life. 

Mr. Lincoln was married in Springfield to* ]\Iiss 
Mary Todd, November 4, 1842. In 1846 he was 
elected to the IT. S. House 6f Representatives, and 
when he took his seat in that body was the only 
Whig from Illinois,vall the others being Democrats. 

After serving oufiiis two years congressional term, 
he was for nearly ten years diligently engaged in the 
practice of his profession, without being a candidate 
before the people for any office whatever. But he was 
by no means an idle spectator of the political acts 
passing in review before him. He was gradually 
preparing, perhaps unconscious to himself, for the 
great events in which he was to act so conspicuous a 
part. By his occasional speeches, he was gaining a 
national reputation. 

In the first Republican National Convention, which 
assembled in Philadelphia June 17, 1856, he received 
110 votes as the candidate for Vice President, to 259 
for Dayton. This of course decided the matter against 
him, but it was complimentary, and was a formal in- 
troduction of Mr. Lincoln to the Nation. 

His name headed tlie Republican electorial ticket 
for Illinois, and he took an active part in the cam- 
paign for Fremont and Dayton. From the time of 
this campaign to the end of his life, Mr. Lincoln was 
almost entirely absorbed in politics. 

Although United States Senators are not elected by 
the popular vote, events brought the subject as prom- 
inently before the people of Illinois in lb58 as if they 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 33 

had been expected to vote upon it. It was known 
that it would be a part of the business of the Ooneral 
Assembly to be elected that year to choose a United 
States Senator to succeed Stephen A. Douglas, and 
that he was a eanidate for re-election. The Demo- 
cratic State Convention of Illinois assembled in 
Sprin2:field. April 21. of that year, and endorsed the 
course of Mr. Douo:las in Confjress on the slavery 
question. This endorsement was understood by all 
parties to be equivalent to a nomination for re-elec- 
tion. 

The Republican State Convention also assembled 
in Springfield, on the 16th of June following. There 
Ayere about six hundred delegates to this convention, 
and enough of their alternates were present to make 
about one thousand earnest men from all parts of the 
State. A banner was borne into the convention from 
Chicago bearing the words, "Cook county for Abra- 
ham Lincoln." The whole convention rose to its feet 
and gave three cheers. After adopting a platform and 
transacting all other business, a resolution was brought 
forward and unanimously adopted on the 17th, "that 
Hon. Abraham Lincoln is our first and only choice 
for United States Senator, to fill the vacancy about to 
be created by the expiration of Mr. Douglas' term of 
office " Frequent calls were made for a speech from 
Mr. Lincoln. It was at length announced that he 
would address the convention at the State House in 
the eyening. In that speech he defined in the clearest 
language the issue between the friends and enemies 
of slayery, and gave as his ojiinion that "a liouse 
divided against itself cannot stand," and that the 
United States would either become all slaye or all 
free ; and pointed out so clearly the duty of the friends 
of freedom that the convention adjourned in the iiigh- 
est state of enthusiasm. 

The work now for the two candidates was, to each 
exert his influence in the choice of members of the 
3 



34 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

Legislature, the slavery question being the only point 
at issue. At first their appointments were made in- 
dependent of each other. Mr. Douglas spoke at Chica- 
go on the 9th and Mr. Lincoln on the 10th of July. 
On the 16th, Mr. Douglas spoke at Bloomington, Mr. 
Lincoln being present. On the 17th, both spoke at 
Springfield to diiferent audiences, neither one hearing 
the other. 

Mr. Lincoln, Avishing to come to close work on the 
subject, addressed the following note to Mr. Douglas : 

Chicago, III., July 24, 1858. 
Hon. 8. A. Douglas : 

My Dear Sm : Will it be agreeable to you to make an ar- 
rangement for you and myself to divide time and address the 
same audiences the present canvass? Mr. Judd, who will hand 
you this, is authorized to receive your answer ; and, if agreeable 
to 3'ou, to enter into the terms of such arrangement. 

Your obedient servant, 

A. LINCOLN. 

Mr. Douglas replied the same day at some length. 
Mr. Lincoln addressed Mr. Douglas again on the 29th, 
and Mr. Douglas replied on the 30th of the same 
month, accepting the proposition for discussion, and 
naming the following seven places and times for hold- 
ing the meetings : 

Ottawa, LaSalle county Aug. 21, 1858 

Freeport, Stephenson county " 27, " 

Jonesboro, Union " Sept. 15, " 

Charleston, Coles " " 18, " 

Galesburg, Knox " Oct. 7, " 

Quincy, Adams " " 13, " 

Alton, Madison " " 15, " 

Mr. Lincoln addressed ^Ir. Douglas on the 31st, 
acquiescing in the arrangement, and the debates were 
held at the times and places designated. 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 35 

The principles of each party Avere thoron<rhlv dis- 
cnsserl, and the M^eak points of both fully ex]>osecl. 
The discussion was fair, open and manly, the warmest 
friendship being; sustained between the disputants 
throuo;hout the canipaisfu. 

A small majority of the members of the Lecrislature 
elected as the result of this canvass were in favor of 
Mr. Doui^las. Mr. Don2:las M'as accordinsrly returned 
to the U. S. Senate. Notwithstanding Mr. Lincoln 
was defeated in the immediate object of the canvass, 
there is little doubt that it was the means of placing 
him in the Presidential chair. The principles upon 
Avhich the Republican party asked the confidence of 
the American people are not so clearly set forth in 
any other form as in his speeches in this discussion. 
These speeches took the whole range of the extension 
and restriction of slavery in the territories, and the 
manner in which J\Ir. Lincoln presented the subject 
was so clear and logical that it commanded the atten- 
tion of the people, east, west, north and south. Dur- 
ing the year 1859, he visited Kansas, Ohio and New 
York, and made several speeches of great ability. 
Albert D. Richardson, who accompanied him to Kan- 
sas, referring to his speech delivered in a rickety old 
court house in Troy, Doniphan county, on a cold, 
windy November night, says that a Democratic speaker 
present attempted to reply, but did little more than 
compliment Mr. Lincoln by saying that it was the 
finest speech he had ever listened to on the Republi- 
can side of the question. 

A speech delivered by him in Cincinnati, early in 
1860, to an audience in which he assumed there were 
some Keutuckians, discussed the question with the 
the border slave States in his own peculiar style. It 
is yet remembered in that city for its extraonlinary 
power. 

An elaborate article, prepared by Senator Douglas, 
appeared in Harper's Magazine, in the latter part of 



36 LIFE OF ABRAHAM TJNCOT.X. 

1.S59. It had an immense circulation all over the 
Union. ISIr. Lincoln soon had an oy)portnnity to be 
heard on a more extended scale before the people of 
the Nation. An invitation was extended to him to 
speak in Brooklyn at Mr. Beecher's church, but it 
was thought best by the Republicans of the two cities 
the speech should be delivered at Cooper Institute. 
Kew York. It was delivered in the latter part of 
February, 1860. He had expended an extraordinary 
amount of historical research in its preparation, and 
it was one of the clearest exhibitions of the policy of 
the Republican party ever delivered in one speech. 
It was copied in the newspapers east and west, and 
printed in pamphlet form and used as a text book in 
the succeeding Presidential campaign. 



CHAPTER III. 



Invitations to speak were received by Mr. Lincoln 
from many places in New England. On the fifth of 
INTarch he spoke at Hartford, and was escorted to the 
City Hall by the first company of "Wide Awakes" 
ever organized. He had an immense audience and 
produced a powerful impression. On the sixth of 
jNEarch he spoke at New Haven, on the seventh at 
Meriden, on the eighth at Woonsocket, Rhode Island, 
on the ninth at Norwich, Connecticut, on the tenth 
at Bridgeport. All of these speeches were to immense 
audiences. The educated and highly cultivated classes 
of the Eastern States seemed as much charmed with 
the man and his style of oratory as the people of the 
west. During this trip he visited his son, Robert, at 
Harvard College, and spent two Sabbaths in New York 
City, both times attending Mr. Beecher's church. 

All these speeches were read and re-read, from 
Maine to California, and from the frozen regions of 
the North to the border slave States on the South, 
and to a considerable extent even among the orange 
groves of the extreme South. 

Mr. Lincoln had scarcely returned home from his 
eastern tour before the Democratic National Conven- 
tion assembled at Charleston, which occurred on the 
23d of April. After wrangling among themselves 
for several days, that body was rent in twain, one 
part to assemble in Baltimore on the eighteenth day 
of June, and the other to meet in Richmond on the 
second Monday in June. 



38 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

On the ninth of ISfay tlie National Constitutional 
Union Convention assembled in Baltimore. This 
Convention was made up of old Whigs and native 
Americans. It nominated John Bell, of Tennessee, 
for President, and Edward Everett, of jVIassachusetts, 
for Vice-President. The Richmond Convention met 
and adjourned to await the doings of the Baltimore 
Convention, which nominated Stephen A. Douglas 
for President, and Benjamin Fitzpatrick, of Alabama, 
afterwards changed to Herschel V. Johnson, of Geor- 
gia, for Vice-President. This was done on the 23d 
of June. 

The members of the Richmond Convention, after 
adjourning, went in a body to Baltimore and re-or- 
ganized. They then nominated John C. Breckenridge, 
of Kentucky, for President, and Joseph Lane, of 
Oregon, for Vice-President. This body completed its 
work on the 22d of June, one day before the conven- 
tion that nominated Douglas. 

The Republican National Convention assembled in 
Chicago, May 16th, 1860, for the purpose of selecting 
candidates for the offices of President and Vice-Pres- 
ident of the United States. At first the choice seemed 
nearly equally divided between Mr. Seward, of New 
York, and Mr. Lincoln. On the 18th Mr. Lincoln 
was nominated on the third ballot by 345 out of 465 
votes. His nomination was thus secured, but Mr. 
Evarts, of New York, after expressing his regret that 
the gentleman from his own State had not been the 
choice of the convention, moved that the nomination 
of Mr. Lincoln be made unanimous. Hannibal 
Hamlin, of Maine, was nominated for Vice-Presiident. 

On Saturday, May 19th, the Hon. George Ashmun, 
of Massachusetts, President of the Convention, at the 
head of a couuuittee appointed for the purpose, arrived 
in Springlield and delivered to Mr. Lincoln a letter 
inlbrming liini of his nomination, and a copy^ttf "tiie 
])hitlbrm of tiie principles adopted by the Couveu- 
tion. 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM T.INCOLN. 39 

On the 23d of May Mr. Lincoln accepted the nom- 
ination in a wracefnl letter addressed to Mr. Ashmnn. 
The election took place on the 6th of November. 
The electoral vote of all the States combined Avas 303. 
Of this number Lincoln and Hamlin received 180; 
Breckenridge and Lane, the candidates of the pro- 
slavery democrats, 72; Bell and Everett 39, and 
Dou2;las and Johnson, progressive democrats, 12; 
making a majority of 37, over all competitors, for 
Lincoln and Hamlin. 

Notwithstanding Mr. Lincoln was elected in strict 
conformity to the constitntional provisions governing 
the case, the fact that he was elected was made the 
occasion for the conspiracy, which had long been 
smouldering in the Southern States, to burst forth in 
full flame. From the time of his election to the day 
of his inaugeration, wanted but two days of four 
months. During that time seven States passed ordi- 
nances of secession, and appointed delegates to attend 
a convention at Montgomery, Alabama, on the 4th of 
February, 1861. These were South Carolina, Georgia, 
Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Texas. 

This convention assembled at the appointed time 
and adopted a provisional constitution for what they 
called the Confederate States of America. They 
selected Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, for President, 
and Alexander H. Stevens, of Georgia, to be Vice- 
President of the new Government. 

All this was done before Mr. Lincoln left his home 
in Illinois, and nearly a month before he took the 
oath of office at the capital of the nation. It was 
not in consequence of anything he had done, for the 
time had not yet arrived for him to perform any of- 
ficial act; nor was it in consequence of anything 
which the leaders saw he had the power to do, for 
they well knew his views of the sanctity of an oath, 
and that he would swear to maintain the constitution 
inviolate. Secession was a foregone conclusion, to 



40 LIFE OF ABRAHAM TJNCOLX. 

be carried out at this time if it could be made prac- 
ticable. 

At eight o'clock Monday morning, February 1 1th, 
1861, Abraham Lincoln left his home in Springfield 
to repair to the capital of the nation for the purpose 
of entering upon his duties as President of the United 
States. Almost the entire population of the city, 
Avithout distinction of party, assembled at the depot 
of the Toledo, Wabash and Western Railroad, then 
at the crossing of Monroe and Tenth streets, to see 
him take his departure. He seemed to feel to its full 
extent the solemnity of the occasion, and before enter- 
ing the cars took an aifectionate leave of his old 
friends and neighbors by a general hand-shaking and 
the delivery of the following brief 

FAREWELL ADDRESS. 

'■^My Friends: No oue, not in my position, can appreciate 
the sadness I feel at this parting. To this people I owe all that 
I am. Here I have lived more than a quarter of a centur}^; here 
my children were born, and here one of them lies buried. I 
know not how soon I shall see you again. A duty devolves upon 
me which is, perhaps, greater than that which has devolved upon 
any other man since the days of Washington. He never would 
have succeeded except by the aid of Divine Providence, upon 
which he at all times relied. I feel that I can not succeeil witli- 
out the same Divine aid which sustained him, and on the same 
Almighty Being I place my reliance for support; and I hope 
you, my friends, will all pray that I may receive that Divine as- 
sistance, without which I can not succeed, but with which suc- 
cess is certain. Again I bid you an affectionate farewell." 

It was raining at the time but every hat was lifted 
when he began to speak, and every head bent forward 
to catch what proved to be his last words to Spring- 
field auditors, ^^'hen he uttered the sentiment that 
with. Goir.s help he icas sure to succeed, there was an un- 
controllable burst of applause. 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM TJNCOLN. 41 

The train arrived at Decatur at half past nine. Mr, 
Tjineoln was almost as well known there as at Sprincr- 
fielfl. An immense ninltitncle assembler! at the (le])ot, 
broke out with enthusiastic cheers as the car bearing 
the President elect came alongside. 

]\Tr. Lincoln left his car and moved throuQ-h the 
crowd of old friends, sliaking hands to the right and 
left. But a few moments stopj^aoe only was allowed 
and he Avas borne away, followed by the pravers and 
good wishes of thousands of loyal hearts. The train 
passed the junction south of Lafayette. At that and 
nearly all towns and stations crowds of people Avaited 
to catch a glimpse of the man in wdiom the hopes of 
the nation were centred. He reached Indianapolis at 
five oclock, p. m., to find at least twenty thousand 
people assembled about the depot, and to be welcomed 
by a speech from Governor Morton amid the firing 
of thirty-four guns. A procession in Avhich both 
houses of the Indiana Legislature participated, escort- 
ed the Presidential party to the Bates House, from 
the balcony of Avhich Mr. Lincoln delivered a brief 
address. On the twelfth Mr. Lincoln and his ])arty 
proceeded on a s])ecial train. Mr. Lincoln showed 
himself on the platform and spoke a few words to the 
people at ShelbyvilJe, Greensburg, Lawrenceburg and 
other places. A family group were assembled near 
the old home of President Harrison, to whom ]\Ir. 
Lincoln bowed his respects as the train passed. This 
was the fifty -second anniversary of Mr. Lincoln's 
birth day. 

At Cincinnati he was greeted by a throng of peo- 
ple estimated at one hundred thousand, and was con- 
d netted to a splendid carriage drawn by six Avhite 
horses, and escorted to the Burnet House, arriving 
there at five o'clock, p. m. On the balcony of the 
Burnet House Mayor John M. Bishop delivered an 
address of welcome, Avhicli was responded to at some 
length by Mr. Lincoln. He was afterwards waited 



42 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

on hv a delegation of two thousand Germans. A ]ar2:e 
nnmV)er of Kentuckians were among the assembled 
multij-nde. 

On the morning of the thirteenth, at nine o'clock, 
the Presidential party started from the Little Miami 
depot. At all the stations from Cincinnati to Colum- 
bus larere crowds were collected with banners, bands 
of music and artillery, but stoppages were made at 
but few places. A brief stay was made each at Mil- 
ford. Loveland, Morrow, Xenia and London. At 
Xenia an immense multitude awaited the arrival of 
the train, and after a few words from the President a 
scramble was made to take him by the hand, but, 
much as he desired to gratifv them, he felt compelled 
to retreat into the car. At London the demonstration 
was fullv equal to that at Xenia; the whole population 
was out. About three o'clock, p. m., the President 
elect was received at the capital of Ohio by about 
twenty thousand people amid the firing of tUirty-four 
guns, corresponding to the number of States of which 
the Union was then composed. A correspondent on 
the train savs the population seemed to be doubled 
and all in the streets. 

Mr. liincoln was escorted to the State House and 
introduced by Governor Dennison to the two legis- 
lative bodies assembled in the hall of the House of 
Representatives. He was then conducted to the 
western steps of the Capital, where he spoke a few 
words to the vast multitude, after which he was con- 
ducted to the mansion of Governor Dennison. In 
the evening he held a reception at the Capital, where 
a general hand-shaking was indulged in for a short 
time. 

The electorial vote was counted at Washington 
that day, and the result made known to Mr. Lincoln 
by special telegram that afternoon. 

On Thursday morning the fourteenth, notwith- 
standing the heavy rain, a large number of people 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LIXCOT.N. 43 

wore at the depot to witness the departure of the 
train at eia^ht o'clock. Lar^e crowds of people were 
standino; in the rain at Newark. Frazeysbnrg. Dresden, 
Coshocton, Newconierstown and many other stations 
to catch a passing view of their chosen ruler. At 
Cadiz Junction a sumptuous dinner was in waiting 
and was eargerly relished by all. At Steubenville 
about five thousand peo]>le were in waiting, to whom 
Mr, Lincoln delivered a brief address. 

It was night when the partv arrived at Alleganey 
Citv, and passed over into Pittsburg. The continued 
falling rain interfered with the demonstration it was 
intended to make. At the Monongahela House Mr. 
Lincoln addressed a large concourse of people from 
the balcony that evening and again the next morning. 
The speaking was done to gratify the intense desire of 
the people to see and hear him. Personally Mr. Lin- 
coln would have preferred to say nothing until he 
spoke to the people in his inaugural address. 

Friday morning, the fifteenth, rain was still pour- 
ing down when the train left Pittsburg, but there 
was a dense mass of human beings extending several 
blocks on every side of the depot, who cheered the 
departing guests with enthusiasm. 

As on the previous days, crowds were collected at 
every station. They were very large and imposing at 
Rochester, Beaver, Industry, Liverpool, Wellsville, 
Yellow Creek, Irondale, Franklin, Planover, Bayard, 
and nearly all the intervening stations on the line. 
At many of these the train did not stop, and tired as 
the President was, he bowed his respects to them iroui 
the platform of the cars. 

At Alliance another sumptuous dinner was in wait- 
ing. As the train moved up a salute was fired, a band 
played national airs and a company of Zuaves stood 
guard while the party dined. The train stopped at 
Kavenna, Hudson, Newburg and other stations where 
large crowds were assembled, arriving at Cleveland, 



44 LIFE OF ABRAHAM T.INCOLX. 

aniid the roar of artillery, at twenty rainntes pa.<5t four 
o'clock, p. m. iNIilitarv and fire compnnies were out, 
and marie a fine display. The President was con- 
ducted to a splendid carriage drawn by four white 
horses, and escorted through snow and mud to the 
Weddell House, whei-e a speech of welcome was made 
bv the Mavor and responded to by Mr. Lincoln. 
Boqnets and floral wreaths were showered upon him, 
and hand-shakino^ followed, until the President elect 
could endure it no longer, and he was permitted to 
retire. 

Saturday morning, February sixteenth, was bright 
and beautiful. At nine o'clock the Presidential par- 
ty left Cleyeland, Mr. Lincoln bowing his farcMell 
from the platform of the rear car to the immense 
multitude of people. Crowds were collected at about 
forty stations on the line to Buffalo. Stoppages were 
made at Painesyille, Geneva, Ashtabula, Girard.Erie, 
AVestfield, Dunkirk, Silver Creek and a few other 
points. At Geneva one of the crowd addressed IVIr. 
Lincoln, exhorting him to stand by the constitution 
and liberty, and assuring him that he would have the 
support of the people. After dinner at Erie the 
President spoke a few words to the immense crowd 
assembled to see him. At Dunkirk, while addressing 
the citizens, Mr. Lincoln grasped the staif of the 
American flag and expressed his intention to uphold 
it, aud asked the people to stand by him. The hearty 
response assured him that he could rely on them for 
support. On arriving at Butifalo there were twenty 
thousand people anxiously awaiting to do honor to 
their chosen Chief Magistrate. A deputation of citi- 
zens with Ex-Presideut Fillmore at their head, between 
whom aud Mr. Lincoln a hearty greeting took place, a 
military company aud the police escorted the ])arty to 
the American Hotel, but the crowd was so dense tiiat 
Major Hunter, of the U. S. A., had his shoulder dislo- 
cated. The buildings along the line of march were 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LIXCOT.X. 45 

nenrlv all decked with flasks. At the hotel INFavor 
Bemis made a -welcomi'nio: speech, to which Mr. Lincoln 
replied, apoloi[::izin2;; for not speakincj at greater length, 
and promising to do hetter when he shonld arrive at 
the capital of the nation. A single qnotation Avill 
illustrate the spirit he manifested in all his speeches. 
He said: "lam unwilling, on any occasion, that T 
shonld be so meanlv thought of as to have it sup))osed 
for a moment that these demonstrations are tendered to 
me personally; they should be tendered to no individ- 
ual, but to the inhabitants of the country and to the 
perpetuation of the liberties of the country. Your 
worthy Mavor has thought fit to express the hope that 
I may be able to relieve the country from the present, 
or I should say the threatened difficulties. I am snre 
I bring a heart true to the work. For the ability to 
perform it I must trust — through the instrumentality 
of this great and intelligent people — in that Supreme 
Being who has never forsaken this favored land. 
Without that assistance I shall surely fail; with it I 
cannot ! " 

The rooms of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 
tion Avere opposite the American Hotel. From these 
were displayed a large banner bearing the inscription, 
"We will pray for you." 

The Presidential party spent the Sabbath in Buf- 
falo, and on Monday morning, February 18th, Avere 
escorted to the depot by a company of the 74th X. Y. 
militia. The train departed a quarter before six 
o'clock, amid the cheers of a large concourse of people. 

From Buffalo to Albany there are nearly a hundred 
stations, where crowds were assembled to catch a pass- 
ing view of the nation's chosen ruler, but we can only 
give room to a small number of them at which stop- 
pages were made. 

At Batavia the train stopped but a few moments, 
and Mr. Lincoln bowed his acknowledgments to the 
hearty greeting of the large crowds assembled at the 
depot. 



46 LIFE OF ABRAHAM TJNCOLN. 

The train arrived at Rochester at eight o'clock to 
find a large number of people anxious to see the 
President elect. The few minutes stay were occupied 
bv a brief speech of welcome by Mayor Scranton and 
an equally brief reply by INIr. Lincoln. 

At Clyde a large crowd greeted the Presidential 
party with enthusiastic cheers. 

At Syracuse ten thousand people greeted the Presi- 
dent elect with cheers. A platform had been erected 
and a live eagle placed upon it. Mr. Lincoln declined 
to mount the platform for want of time, but spoke a 
few words of apology. 

At Utica thousands of people were standing in a 
snow storm, and, as the train come up, cheered the 
President elect, accompanied with the firing of a 
salute. Here Mr. Lincoln Avas induced to ascend a 
platform, where he was introduced by the Mayor. 
He excused himself from speaking, saying that he 
simply appeared to thank them for the reception — to 
see them and give them an opportunity to see him — 
and humorously expressing tlie opinion that so far as 
the ladies were concerned he had the best of the 
sight. 

At Little Falls, as the train stopped, the clnirch 
bells rang out merry peals, and the crowd clamored 
for a speech, but had to content themselves by Mr. 
Lincoln bowing his acknowledgments. 

At Fonda, Amsterdam and Schenectady the people 
seemed to have turned out en masse to welcome the 
President elect. 

At twenty minutes past two o'clock, p. m., the 
train reached Albany, amid the firing of cannon and 
the cheers of an immense multitude of people. Tlie 
President elect was received by Mayor Thatcher in a 
neat welcoming speech. Mr. Lincoln replied, excus- 
ing himself from extended remarks, as he expected 
to appear before the Legislative bodies. The Presi- 
dential party were then taken iu carriages and, escorted 



LIFE OF ABE AH AM LINCOLN. 47 

bvthe military, were flriven to the State Capital, where 
Mr. Lincoln was taken to the Executive Chamber and 
introduced to Governor Morofan. The two then pro- 
ceeded to the front of the Capital to find the Park 
filled with an immense multitude, even loadinjj the 
trees and covering every available standinsr place, all 
anxious to see the President elect and hear him speak. 
Governor Morgan made a brief welcoming speech, to 
which Mr. Lincoln replied. The crowd was so vast 
that he could not be heard and only bowed his re- 
sponse to their enthusiastic welcome. Mr. Lincoln 
was conducted from here into the Assembly Chamber, 
where he was introduced to the two Houses of the 
Legislature of New York, assembled together to wel- 
come him. Mr. Lincoln replied in a brief speech, 
acknowledging the courtesies received, but declining 
to go into a detailed statement of the policy he should 
pursue, preferring to do that in his inaugural address. 
At the close of these ceremonies the General Assem- 
bly took a recess for the exchange of friendlv greet- 
ings, after which the distinguished guest was conducted 
to his carriage and escorted to the Delavan House. 

When Mr. Lincoln entered the city and was escorted 
along Broadway, he was greeted by a large canvass 
extended across the street bearing the inscription, 
" Welcome to the Capital of the Empire State. No 
more compromises." 

The Presidential party left Albany Tuesday morn- 
ing, the 19th, at eight o'clock. The train ran up the 
west side of the Hudson river, crossing at Troy, M'here 
a raised platform had been prepared to afford the vast 
crowd an opportunity to see the President elect. On 
ascending the platform Mr. Lincoln was welcomed by 
Mayor McConike, who said : " Mr. Lincoln I have 
the honor to welcome you on behalf of the citizens 
of Troy, not as a politician, not as a partisan, but as 
the chosen Chief Magistrate of thirty millions of 
people, and to assure you of our respect for you as a 



48 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

citizpii. and for the higfh offioe von are so soon to fill." 
Mr. Lincoln replied in brief but appropriate terms. 
At least fifteen thousand persons -were assembled at 
the depot. 

The stations on the Hudson river railroad each had 
their crowds of people anxious to see, if it was but a 
passing view of the President elect on his w^ay down 
to the commercial metropolis of the nation. Few 
stoppages were made, but at Poughkeepsie it halted 
long enough for the Mayor of that city to make a 
formal address of welcome, which was happily re- 
sponded to by INIr. Lincoln. 

The train reached the city of New York about ten 
o'clock. The reception Avas grand and imposing. 
Places of business were closed and flags dis])layed along 
the line of the procession. The family of the Presi- 
dent Avas driven in carriages directly to the Astor 
House, but Mr. Lincoln Avas escorted to the City Hall, 
Avhere he was received by an address of welcome from 
Mayor Wood, which was responded to in fitting terms 
by Mr. liincoln, both expressing the Avarmest patriotic 
sentiments. After the speeches a general hand-shak- 
ing ensued, amid the crashing of hats and tearing of 
broadcloth. The millionaire and the bummers and 
roughs, who have rendered New York so famous, 
Avere mingled in delightful confusion. The bare 
thought of shaking hands with all M'ho came Avas a 
terror to Mr. Lincoln, and about one o'clock he made 
his way to the balcony and spoke a few Avords to the 
people. He told them that he came to see them and 
to put himself where they could see him, but gave 
it as his opinion that, so far as sight seeing Avas con- 
cerned, he had the best of the show. It Avas estimated 
that a quarter of a million of people Avere in the 
streets trying to obtain a passing view of tiic chosen 
ruler of the nation. By unusual efforts on the part 
of the police, Mr. Lincoln Avas escorted to the Astor 
House. 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 49 

Tlie Presidential party left New York on the 
mornins: of the twentieth, at eight o'clock, crossino; 
the Ilndson river and taking- the cars at Jersey City. 
An immense concourse of people Avere in waiting at 
the depot to catch a passing view of IVIr. Lincoln. 
The train reached Newark at half past nine in a snow 
storm. Mayor Bigelow welcomed ]Mr. Lincoln in a 
brief address, who made an equally brief reply. The 
partv were then taken from the cars at the Morris and 
Essex depot and escorted by a party of about one 
hundred on horseback to the Chesnut street depot. 
They passed along Broad street, which was lined with 
patriotic devices. As the train moved off Mr. Lin- 
coln bowed his thanks to the vast throng for their 
reception. 

At twelve o'clock, noon, the train reached Trenton, 
amid the cheers of a vast multitude of people. An 
address of welcome to the chosen Chief Magistrate 
was extended by JNIayor Mills, who introduced him to 
the members of the city government. The party was 
then taken in carriages and escorted to the State 
House by a body of one hundred horsemen. At tiie 
Capital Mr. Lincoln was received in a welcoming 
speech by the President of the Senate. In liis reply 
Mr. Lincoln made a happy allusion to some incidents 
of the historic struggle for Independence, of wliich 
Trenton was the scene of action. He was then con- 
ducted to the Plouse of Representatives and was wel- 
comed by its Speaker. In Mr. Lincoln's reply his 
patriotic utterances witii reference to the threatened 
troubles elicited rounds of aj)plause. He was then 
escorted to the Trenton House, where he spoke brief- 
ly to the crowd outside, estimated at twenty thousand 
persons. After partaking of a collation the train 
moved across the Deleware river and proceeded to 
Philadelphia in charge of a committee from that city. 
At four o'clock, p. m., February 20th, the train ar- 
rived at the Kensington depot, Philadelpliia. Tlie 
4 



50 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

Presidential party were escorted in carriages to the 
Continential Hotel. One hundred thousand persons 
were in the procession or lined the streets along which 
the ]>arty passed. The Mayor of the city delivered 
an address of welcome on the balcony of the hotel, to 
which Mr. Lincoln replied, declining, however, to go 
into any exposition of his policy, and barely hinting 
at the possibility that he might never be inducted in- 
to office. He said : " It were useless for me to 
speak of details or plans now ; I shall speak officially 
next Monday week, if ever. If I were not to speak 
then, it were useless for me to speak now." 



CHAPTER IV. 



On the clav Mr. Lincoln left Spvnigfiekl, oV)stnic- 
tions were placed on the railroad track at a point in 
the road near the line between the States of Illinois 
and Indiana, bnt it was discovered in time to avert 
the danger. At Cincinnati a deadly missle was found 
concealed in one of the cars of the train on which he 
traveled, bnt was removed before any damage was 
done. From these circumstances he knew that his life 
was in danger at everv step, but the first allusion to 
it was in reply to the Mayor of Philadelphia, and that 
was hinted at so obscurely that it would not have been 
noticed were it not for subsequent events. It had 
been whispered, before Mr. Lincoln left home that he 
would never be permitted to pass through I^aitimore 
alive, and without his knowledge an experienced de- 
tective was employed to ferret out the conspiracy. He 
employed botli men and women to assist him. He 
found out beyond a doubt that a plot was formed for 
a party of conspirators to crowd around him in the 
guise of friends, and at a given signal Mr. Lincoln 
was to be shot or stabbed. A vessel was to be kept in 
waiting upon which the assassins were to make their 
escape. 

The detective and Mr. Lincoln arrived in Philadel- 
phia nearly at the same time. Some of the President's 
personal friends were advised of the information he 
had secured. An interview was at once held between 
Mr. Lincoln and the detective, in the room of the lat- 
ter at the Continental Hotel. This was on the 21st. 
It had been arranged that Mr. Lincoln was to raise 



52 LIFE OF ABPvAPIA^[ IJXCOTA'. 

tlie Amoriean flafr on Indepenrlenoe Hall the follow- 
iiicr moriiiiiir.it hoino; the niiniversarv of Wa.^hinfflon's 
l)irtli(lav. ITe had also aooejited an invitation to a re- 
ce]ition bv tlie Poniisylvania Loo-islatiire in tlie after- 
noon of the same day. 'Mr. Lincoln said, "Botli of 
these eneaireinents I Avill keep, if it cost.s me my life." 
Beyond that he left the arrano:ements for his safe con- 
dnot to AVashington, to the detective and his friends. 

Gen. Scott and Senator Seward, both of whom were 
in Washington, had learned from separate sources that 
IVIr. Lincoln was in danger of being slain. The two 
concurred in sending Mr. Frederick W. Seward to 
Philadelphia to inform him of his danger. Mr. F. 
W. Seward arrived late on the night of the 2Lst, after 
Mr. Lincoln had retired. Being tirst satisfied that the 
messenger was indeed the son of Mr. Seward, he ad- 
mitted him to an interview. ISIr. Lincoln Avas in- 
formed of the plan already arranged by the detective 
for the President to proceed in advance of his family 
and party so as to pass through Baltimore in the night 
and arrive at Washington early Saturday morning. 
On Mr. Seward's return to Washington it was ar- 
ranged that Mr. Washburn, of Illinois, should meet 
Mr. Lincoln at the depot on his arrival. 

The details of his passage through Baltimore being 
settled, the next Morning Mr. Lincoln visited Inde- 
pendence Hall, and was formally welcomed to the city. 
In response he delivered a brief address, in which he 
discussed the principles embodied in the Declaration 
of Independence, which had been prepared and pro- 
mulgated from tliat Hall. He then said: "Xow, my 
friends, can this country be saved upon this basis? If 
it can, I will consider myself one of the liappiest meu 
in the world, if I can help to save it. If it can not be 
saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful. But 
if this country cannot be saved without giving up that 
principle, I was about to say I would rather be assas- 
sinated on this spot than surrender it." 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 53 

At the close of the speech, he Avas conducted to a 
platform outside, and publicly invited to raise the new 
flag-. In responding to the invitation, he addressed a 
few words to the peo])le, and then ran the flag to the 
to]> of the staff, amid the cheers of a vast concourse 
of ]ieoi)le. 

These ceremonies being concluded, Mr. Lincoln and 
his ]mrty left the city for Harrisburg, the capital of 
the State. Avhere he visited both branches of the Penn- 
sylvania Legislature, in response to the address of wel- 
come, he recounted the scenes and incidents of the 
morning, coupled with the fact that it was the anni- 
versary of the birth of Washington. 

INIr. Lincoln was wearied with the fatigue connect- 
ed Avith the exercises of the day, and was permitted 
to retire to his appartments at the Jones House. It 
was understood by the public that he was to start for 
A\''ashington the next morning. He remained in his 
rooms until nearly six o'clock, when he went into the 
street unobserved, and, with Colonel Lamon, Avas driv- 
en to a s|>ecial train on the Pennsylvania Central rail- 
road. To ])revent the intelligence of his departure 
from being communicated, if it should be discovered, 
the telegra])h wires were all cut the moment the train 
left Harrisburg. This train ran back to Philadelphia, 
arriving at half past ten o'clock. The detective had 
a carriage in waiting, in which the party were driven 
to the depot of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and 
Baltimore railroad. They arrived at the depot at a 
quarter past eleven o'clock, and found the regular train 
which should have left at eleven, delayed. The party 
took berths in the sleepiiig car, and without change 
passed directly through iialtimore, arriving in A\'ash- 
ington at half past six o'clock on tlie morning of Sat- 
urday, February 2od, and found Mr. Washburn anx- 
iously awaiting him. He was taken into a carriage, 
and in a few minutes was talking over his adventures 
with Senator Seward^ at Willard's Hotel. 



54 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LTXCOT,^. 

Mr. Lincoln's familv left Harrisl)iir2: on the train 
tliat liad been intended for him, anri as his arrival in 
"Washinsfton had been tele<rranhed all over the eoiin- 
trv, thev went thron<j:h Baltimore withont meetins: 
with anv distnrbance. The number of conspirators 
■was about twenty, all of whose names were known. 
The plot was a bold one. but the increnuitv of the de- 
tective was too much for them. His life was not 
thought to be safe in Washington, and he was sent 
awav in a day or two. Tlie story that Mr. Lincoln 
wore the disguise of a "long military cloak and a 
Scotch cap," was a falsehood, written by a man who 
knew nothing of the event, and hated Mr. Lincoln, 
who did not adopt any disguise. The enemies of Mr. 
Lincoln ridiculed his fears, and his friends were 
ashamed, and even vexed, that the chosen chief of the 
nation should consent to sneak into his capital. It 
was a shameful thing that he should be obliged to do 
so, but the responsibility was on the other side. None 
doubt now that if false pride had prevented his act- 
ing upon the advise of his friends, the tragedy would 
have been enacted at the beginning which proved to 
be the denoument of tiie rebellion, and the nation and 
the world would have been deprived of the four years' 
faithful services of Abraham Lincoln, which termin- 
ated in the emancipation of a race, and establishing 
upon a basis of justice the most powerful nation upon 
the earth — powerful because it is just. 

The ten or eleven days from the time Mr. Lincoln 
entered Washington, to the day of his inauguration, 
were full of nervous anxiety to the loyal people of the 
nation. It would not have been a surprise to them 
if the papers on any morning had announced his as- 
sassination. He knew himself to be surrounded by 
at least five enemies to one friend, but lie went for- 
ward quietly and calmly, preparing for the duties be- 
fore liim, supported by the tirm conviction that he 
was a chosen agent in the hands of God, and that He 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM TJXCOLN. 55 

would ei;ive him all the support necessary to the ac- 
complishment of His purposes. 

The morning of March 4, 1861, opened beautiful 
and clear. Gen, Scott and the Washington ])o]ice 
Avere in readiness for the day. The friends of Mr. 
Lincoln had gathered from all parts of the loyal north, 
determined that he should be inaugurated. In the 
hearts of all was great anxiety, but outwardly all 
looked as usual on such occasions, with the exception 
of an extraordinary display of soldiers. The stars 
and stripes floated from every flag-staif, the public 
buildings, schools, and many of the places of business 
were closed during the dav. 

At five minutes before twelve o'clock, Vice Presi- 
dent Breckenridge and Senator Foote escorted Mr. 
Hamlin, the Vice President elect, into the Senate 
Chamber, and gave him a seat at the left of the chair. 
At twelve Mr. Breckenridge announced the Senate ad- 
journed, and then conducted Mr. Hamlin to the seat 
he had vacated. The foreign diplomats, of which 
there was a very large and brilliant representation, 
then entered the chamber and took the seats assigned 
them. At a quarter before one o'clock the Judges of 
the Supreme Court entered, with the aged Chief Jus- 
tice Taney at their head. At a quarter past one o'clock 
an unusual stir announced the coming of the Presi- 
dent elect, accompanied by the outgoing President. 
They proceeded to the temporary platform erected tor 
the occasion, on Pennsylvania Avenue, at the east 
front of the capitol, accompanied by the Marslial of 
the District of Columbia, Judges of the Supreme 
Court Sergeant-at-Arms and others holding otii- 
cial positions, which required them to be present on 
such occasions. On arriving at the platform, Senator 
E. D. Baker, of Oregon, who had been a long and in- 
timate friend and neiglibor of Mr. Lincoln, introduced 
him to tiie assembly. Mr. Lincoln then stepped for- 
ward and read his inaugural address. He was listened 



56 LIFE OF ABRAHAM IJXCOLX. 

to with profound attontion, and l)v none more careful- 
ly that President Buchanan and Cliief Justice Taney, 
The latter gentleman, with much agitation, adminis- 
tered tlie oath of office to Mr. Lincoln, when his ad- 
dress was concluded. 

It deserves to be jmrticularly mentioned that Ste- 
phen A. Douglas, without a particle of jealousy appa- 
rent, and knowing the danger to which he was ex- 
posed in the event of an attempt on the life of the 
President, stood patriotically by his side, and as he 
removed his hat before commencing to read, and find- 
ing no place to put it in consequence of the ])roximity 
of the crowd, Mr. Douglas politely extended his hand, 
took the hat and held it until the close of the address. 
And after Mr. Lincoln had taken the oath, Mr. Doug- 
las was the first to grasp his hand and extend his con- 
gratulations. 

The Inaugural Address was a plain, straightforward 
talk with the people of the nation. The President 
exhorted them to stand by the constitution and the 
laws, and declared that he took the oath to do so, 
without mental reservation. To those threatening the 
destruction of the government, he said, in closing: 

" If it were admitted that you who are dissatistied, hold tlie 
right side in this dispute, tliere is still no single reason for pre- 
cipitate action. Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm 
reliance on Him who lias never yet forsaken this favored land, 
are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present dif- 
ficulties. 

" In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in 
mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The government 
will not assail you. You can liave no conflict without being 
j^ourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in Hea- 
ven to destroj' the government, while I shall have the most sol. 
emn one to preserve, protect and defend it. 

" I am loth to close. We are not enemies, but friends 
We must not be enemies. Though passion may have, 
strained, it must not break our bonds of atlection. The 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM IJNCOLN. 57 

mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-flehl and 
patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this 
broad land, ■stIII yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again 
touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our na- 
ture." 

Tn this tender strain did he plead with them as a 
fond father with his wayward offspriiio:, but it was all 
in vain. Tn entering: npon the dnties of liis office, 
President Lincoln fonnd the treasury empty, tlie cred- 
it of the government im])aired by the uncertainty of 
the future, and its navy scattered, leavincr less than a 
dozen ships in servicable condition to guard our 
costs. The principal part of the small arms and can- 
non beloncrino; to the government were in the hands 
of the authorities of the States M'hich had already se- 
ceded. Forts, arsenals, mints and vessels were seized 
by the insurrectionists. The troops of our regular 
army who would not yield to the seductive influences 
of traitors, were deprived of their arms and sent home 
as paroled prisoners of war. by slow and devious 
routes. The garrison of Fort Sumter, in the harbor 
of Charleston, South Carolina, was drawing nigh to 
a point of starvation, and no su])]ilies could be sent to 
it except by running the gauntlet of rebel batteries. 
The government, two months before the close of Pres- 
ident Buchanan's term of office, made an attempt to 
send troops and provisions to iSIajor Anderson, by the 
steamer Star of the West, a merchant vessel, but she 
Avas fired upon and compelled to return. 

Notwithstanding the provisions in the fort were so 
near exhausted, the assailants could not Avait its sur- 
render for Avant of supplies, but acting as if they Avere 
thirsting for blood, Gen. Beauregard, under directions 
from the rebel Secretary of War, demanded the sur- 
render of the fort on the twelfth day of April, 1.S61. 
Major Anderson declined to surrender. He was then 
called upon to suy Avhen he Avoidd evacuate the tort. 



58 TJFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

He replied that, shonld he not receive cnntrolUns; in- 
strnotions or additional supplies, he -would evacuate 
on the fifteenth of the month. He was then notified 
that in one hour from the date of the message, which 
was '-April 12, 1864, 3:30 a. m.," the confederate bat- 
teries, which he had seen erected without authority to 
interfere with them, would open on Fort Sumter. At 
half past four the batteries did open, and after a siege 
of thirtv-three hours, the garrison surrendered on the 
14th ofApril. 

]Maj(^r Robert Anderson, and about seventy men, 
marched out with their side arms and colors. War 
was thus forced upon the nation. The overt act had 
been committed by the traitors, and there was no al- 
ternative but to accept the situation. On the follow- 
ing day, April 15th, President Lincoln issued a call 
for 75,000 volunteers, and an extra session of Con- 
£:ress to assemble at Washington on the Fourth of 
July. 

The north needed just the shock it had received. 
The fall of Sumter was the resurrection of patriot- 
ism. The call for men was responded to cordially and 
promptly from all the northern States, but the five 
border States hung back. Virginia soon went over 
to the Secessionists, and the Governor of Missouri at- 
tempted to take that State over and was foiled by the 
great number of Union-loving Germans within its 
borders. Governor Jackson then fied to the rebels 
alone, and died among them. Maryland, Delaware 
and Kentucky halted long between loyalty and trea- 
son, trying to find neutral ground, but finally espoused 
the Union cause. iS'one of the five border States 
gave any assistance on the first call. Some of them 
answered with insolent threats and defiance. 

On the 19th of April, 18G1, being the 86th 
anniversary of the battle of Lexington, Massachusetts, 
which was the beginning of tlie American iievoiution, 
the first blood of the war was shed m the streets of 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM T.TXCOLN. 59 

the city of Baltimore, Marvlaiid. The Sixtli Kefji- 
ment of Massachusetts and the Seventh Recjiment of 
Pennsylvania volunteers were passino; thronoh Balti- 
more, on their way to \V'asliincrton, and they were at- 
tacked bv a mob in the sti-eets, with stones, brickbats and 
otlier missies, from which several were wounded. Shots 
were fired bv the mob and four soldiers were killed : 
two of the Massachusetts regiment, Ladd and A\'hit- 
ney, from Lowell, and two of the Pennsylvanians, 
Needham and Taylor. After the killing of their own 
men, tiie soldiers fired upon the mob, killing eleven 
and wounding many more. Communications were cut 
off through Baltimore until the 10th of May, when 
Gen. B, F, Butler took possession with a strong force. 

After actual hostilities commenced, President Lin- 
coln still cherished the hope that the conflict would be 
of short duration, but the battle of Bull Hun, on the 
21st of Julv, in which the Union forces were defeated, 
dispelled all hope of an early settlement of the na- 
tional troubles. The cares ot the President were now 
almost crushing The raising and maintaining of great 
armies, settling the difticulties with England arising 
from the arrest of Mason and Slidell on the British 
steamer Trent, by Captain Wilkes, of the U. S. frigate 
San Jacinto, adjusting the serious and delicate (ques- 
tions connected with slavery, wliich were constantly 
presenting themselves, under the movements of (Gen- 
erals, Hunter, Butler, Premout, and other army com- 
manders. 

Tlie beginning of 1862 was a time of gloom and 
despondency lor the Union cause. As the year wore 
away, the necessity, as a war measure, for the eman- 
ci])ation of the slaves, was constantly pressed by aruiy 
olticers and others who were in advance of the muss 
of the people. Gen. McClellan, however, between 
his calls for more men, more horses, more shoes, more 
everything, when he had all that could be sent, found 
time to protest against the emaucipatiou of the slaves. 



60 LTFR OF ABRAHAM LTXCOT.X. 

On the 7th of July, 1-Sfi2, he wrote a hms: Ip^^pi' of 
advice to President Lincoln, in which he told him 
that he thought the war should not look to the subju- 
gation of the people of any State, in any event. Tliat 
there should be no confiscation, no forcible abolition 
of slavery. 

In the middle of 1802, the events of the war hav- 
insr gone from bad to worse, Mr. liineoln began to 
think that lie must "change his tactics, or lose his 
game." Under these circumstances he prcjiared his 
original proclamation of emancipation, without con- 
sulting his cabinet or giving them any intimation of 
Avhat he was doing. In the latter part of July, or 
earlv in August, he called a cabinet meeting, and all 
were present except Mr. Blair, who arrived in time 
for business, but none of them knew the object of the 
meeting. After all were ready for business, there was 
a delay. Mr. Lincoln was about to inaugurate the 
crowning act of his life, and he took his own way of 
doing it. The pressure upon his mind had wrought 
it up to a high key. He took from a shelf a copy of 
"Artemus Ward — His Book," and read an entire chap- 
ter of its drollery, laughing so heartily at its contents 
that some of his dignified advisers were more pained 
than amused. On closing the trifling volume, the 
wiiole manner of the President changed instantly, and 
rising to a grandeur of demeanor that inspired all 
with profound respect akin to awe, he announced to 
his cabinet the object of the meeting. He had writ- 
ten a Proclamation of Emancipatioji, and had deter- 
mined to issue it; therefore, he had not called them 
together to ask their advice upon the main question, 
as he had determined that for himself. He Avished to 
inform them of liis purpose, and receive such sugges- 
tions upon minor points as they might be moved to 
make, Mr. Chase wished the language stronger with 
regard to arming the negroes; Mr. Jilair thought it 
would cost the administration the fall elections, but he 



LIFE OF ABPvAHAM I.IXCOT.X. 61 

saw no occasion to make any chano^e nntil Mr. Sowanl 
saifl : "Mr. President. I approve of the Proclama- 
tion, but I question the expediency of its issue at this 
juncture. The depression of the public mind, conse- 
quent upon our repeated reverses, is so great that I 
fear the effect of so important a step. It may be 
viewed as the last measure of an exhausted govern- 
ment; a cry for help; the government stretching forth 
its hands to Ethiopia, instead of Ethiopia stretching 
forth her hands to the government; our last shriek in 
the retreat." Mr. Seward thought it would be best to 
postpone it until it could be given to the country after 
a military success, rather than after the general dis- 
asters then prevalent. 

Mr. Lincoln admitted the force of the objections, 
and permitted the matter to be suspended for a brief 
period. The retreat of the army of the Potomac, un- 
der General Pope, on AVashington, and the invasion 
of Maryland soon folloAved, making the situation still 
more gloomy, and the proclamation waited, being oc- 
casionally taken out and retouched. At last the bat- 
tle of Antietam came, with victory to the Union arms. 
The battle of Antietam was fought on Wednesday, 
the 17th of September, but it was not until Saturday 
that it was certainly known to be a victory, and it 
was too late to issue tiie proclamation that week, but 
Mr. Lincoln held a cabinet meeting that day, at wliicdi 
he declared that the time for promulgating the eman- 
cipation policy had arrived. Public sentiment, he 
thought, would sustain it ; many of his warmest 
friends and supporters demanded it, and in a low and 
reverent tone he said: " 1 have promised my God that 
I will do it." Mr. Chase said, "Do I understand you 
correctly, Mr. President." Mr. Lincoln replied; '• 1 
made a solemn vow before God that if General Lee 
should • be driven back from Pennsylvania, i would 
crown the result by the declaration of freedom to the 
slaves." 



62 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LTNCOT-X. 

On Snndav !Mr. Tjincoln retonohecl it a little, and 
on ^Sfonday, September 22, 18G2, the proelamatinn was 
i<5su('(l, declaring tliat, at the end of one linndred days, 
or on the first day of Jannarv, 1863, he would issue 
another proclamation, declaring that, "All persons 
held as slaves within any State, or designated part of 
a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion 
against the United States, shall be thenceforward and 
forever free." 



CHAPTER V. 



There was not the slightest attention sriven to the 
nroolamation.neitlier was it expected that there Avonld 
be. The one hnndrefl days expired on tlie first day 
of Jannarv, 1863, and on that day President Lincoln 
issued the prochimation of which he had ^iven pre- 
vious notice. Tn the proclamation the President ]ioint- 
ed out the States and parts of States in which it should 
take effect. By that proclamation about three mill- 
ions of slaves were made free. Simultaneous with its 
publication came the victory to the Union arms at 
Stone's River, and a general advance on the rebels east 
and west. From that time forward the Union forces 
were victorions in almost every engagement. As 
midsummer approached, the military operations in the 
west were chiefly concentrated on Vicksburg as the 
key to the navigation of the Mississippi river. The 
rebel forces in Virginia, under General Lee, com- 
menced the invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania 
in June. They were opposed by the army of the Po- 
tomac, under General Hooker. While the two armies 
were running a race across the State of Maryland, 
Gen. Hooker was relieved and Gen. Meade placed in 
command. The two armies came into collision at 
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the first of July. The 
battle raged with terifltic fury for three days. On the 
night of the third it was evident that the rebels were 
defeated. President Lincoln announced the fact on 
the Fourth by a dispatch sent over the wliole coun- 
try under control of the government. He alluded to 
the fact that it was the auiversary of the Declaration 



64 LIFE OF ABRAHAM IJXCOT.X. 

of Tndepenflonoo. mid rlosod hv the invocation, that: 
" He whose "will, not onrs. should ever be done, be 
everywhere remembered and renewed with profoiind- 
e.st gratitude." This Avas only half the work for the 
fiflorlons day. On that day the entire rebel force at 
Vicksburs:, amountinjr to about thirtv thousand men, 
200 cannon, and 70,000 stand of small arms, under 
Gen. Pemberton. surrendered to Gen. Grant. The recon- 
secratiou of the Fourth of July to freedom was most 
grand, and inspired the loyal people of the nation with 
neAV courao;e to press forward to the task of crushing 
the rebellion. 

The iState of Pennsvlvania purchased apiece of land 
adjoining the cemetery of the town, where much of 
the fighting had been done, among broken monuments 
and tombs, and over the graves of those Avho had died 
and l)een buried in peaceful times, and set it apart as 
a burying ground for the loyal soldiers who had there 
yielded up their lives a willing sacrifice on the altar 
of freedom. The ground was dedicated on the 19th 
of November, 1863, by an oration from the Hon. Ed- 
ward Everett, in the presence of Mr. Lincoln and his 
cabinet, and a large concourse of people assembled to 
take part in the exercises. After the oration by Mr. 
Everett, the President delivered a brief address from 
which I take an extract : 

"Fourscore aud seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon 
this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, aud dedicated 
to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are 
engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any 
nation so conceived aud so dedicated, can long endure. We are 
met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedi- 
cate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who 
here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether 
fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense 
we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this 
ground. The brave men, living aud dead, who struggled here, 
have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. The 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 65 

world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but 
it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, 
rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they, 
who fought here, have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather 
for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, 
that, from these honored dead, we take increased devotion to 
that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion ; 
that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in 
vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birtli of free- 
dom, and that the government of the people, by the people and 
for the people, shall not perish from the earth." 

During the latter part of 1863, the success of the 
Union arms almost everywhere was so grand that the 
President issued one proclamation after another, call- 
ing on the people to assemble in their places of w^or- 
ship and offer up thanks to Almighty God. He called 
upon the people to honor and reverence God for the 
success at Gettysburg, himself publicly thanked Al- 
mighty God for the fall of Vicksburg, and on the fif- 
teenth of July issued a proclamation setting apart the 
sixth of August to be observed as a day for national 
thanksgiving, praise and prayer, inviting the people 
to render the homage due to the Divine Majesty lor 
the wonderful things he had done iu the nation's be- 
half, and to invoke the influences of His Holy Spirit 
to subdue the anger which had produced and so long 
sustained a needless and cruel rebellion ; to change 
the hearts of the insurgents ; to guide the counsels of 
the government with wisdom adequate to so great a 
national emergency, and to visit with tender care and 
consolation, through the length and breadth of our 
land, all those who, through the vicissitudes of 
marches, voyages, battles and seiges, had been brought 
to suffer iu mind, body or estate ; and, finally, to lead 
the wliole nation through paths of repentance and 
submission to the Divine Will, back to the perfect eu- 
joymeut of union and fraternal peace. 
5 



66 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LTXCOLX. 

On tho third of Ootoher ho is.cnod another procla- 
mation of tlinnksirivintr. settine^ apart the last Thurs- 
day of Xovember as the day to be observed. Tliis 
latter was more in the nature of an annual tliankscriv- 
mcr. But having heard of the retreat of the rebel 
forces' from East Tennessee, he issued a dispatch on 
the seventli of December recommending all loyal peo- 
ple, on the receipt of the information, to assemble at 
tlieir places of worship and render special homat^e and 
o-ratitude to Almio-hty God for this great advance- 
ment of the national cause. 

The beginning of 1864 found the financial difficul- 
ties of the country most formidable, as the national 
curreucv had so far depreciated that it required S280 
in currency to buy $100 in gold. Secretary Chase, of 
the Treasurv department, resigned the position, and 
was followed bv jNIr. Fessenden, of Maine, as his suc- 
cessor. In INIav, General Grant commenced his cam- 
paio;n in Virginia, where each day's slaughter was al- 
most equal to an array, and Sherman, at the same 
time, moved against the rebels, from Chattanooga, 
'J'cnnessee, into Georgia. This was the commence- 
ment of his march of a thousand miles to the sea, 
making pauses only at Atlanta, reaching the sea at 
Savannah, thence north to Goldsboro he swej)t as 
with a besom of destruction through the rebel terri- 
torv, and at last brought their forces to surrender af- 
ter almost a vear of continuous marching and lighting. 
After General Sherman left Atlanta, General Tiionias 
skillfnllv planned his retreat on ISashville, and then 
hurled his troops against the rebel forces under Hood, 
at Franklin and Nashville, by which that part of the 
rebel army was almost annihilated. 

During this whole year the Union forces were vic- 
torious on almost every battle-field. Notwithstanding 
the rebel armies were shattered and broken, tiiey still 
hoped for a favorable turn to tlieir cause by the de- 
feat of Mr. Lincoln in the Presidential election then 
pending. 



TJFK OF ABRAHAM TJXCOr.X. 07 

Tlie Re]>iil)lie;in Xational Convontion nssomlilcd in 
the eitv of Baltimore on the eio-litli of June. 1S(;4. for 
the purpose of nomiiintinof enudichites for Pi-csidcnt 
nnd Yiee President of the UnitedStntes. INIr. TJn- 
coln was in the fourth yenr of Ins ]-)residential term, 
durinu" wliieli time call after call and draft after draft 
had been made to keep up the strength of the artnv. 
He had found it necessary to remove hundreds of 
armv officers hioh in command, he had given freedom 
to more tlian tliree million of slaves who were rc- 
uar<led as ])rop<Ttv when he ent(M'ed the Presidential 
chair, and in all these transactions he had disj^leascd 
a large nninhor of influential citizens, which it was 
thought would niake him many enemies. But when 
the' Convention assembled, and after adopting a plat- 
form of princi]>les, the next thing in order was to bal- 
lot for a Presidential candidate. " On the first hallot 
every vote was given for Mr. Linecdn. except twenty- 
two from Missouri, which, under instructions, wei-e 
given for General Grant. On motion of one of the 
Missouri delegates the nomination was made unani- 
mous. Andrew Johnson of Tennessee was nominated 
for Vice President. Ex-Governor Dennison of Ohio 
was the President of the Convention, and he, acconi- 
])anied by a committee, waited upon Mr. Lincoln, in- 
lorined him of his nomination, and placed in his 
hands a copy of the platform which had been adopted. 
Mr. Lincoln replied : 

"Haviug served four years in the depths of a great and yet uu- 
euded natioual peril, I can vknv this call to a second term in no- 
wise more tlatteriug to myself than as an expression of the pub- 
lic judgment that I may better finish a difl3cult work in which I 
have labored from the first, than could anj- one less severely 
schooled to the task. In this view, and with assured reliance on 
that Almighty Ruler who has so graciously sustained us tlius far, 
and with increased gratitude to the generous people for their 
continued confidence, I accept the renewed trust with its yet on- 
erous and perplexing duties and responsibilities." 



68 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LIXCOLX. 

Gen. MeClollan was the Democratic cnnflidatc for 
President, and George H. Pendleton for Vice Presi- 
dent. 

During the height of the canvass. President Lin- 
coln, on the eighteenth of July, issued a call for five 
linndred thousand men, naming the number required 
from each State, and including a proviso that if the 
number was not voluntarily made np, drafting should 
commence on the fifth of wSeptember. His friends 
feared that it would cost him his election, and urged 
him to delay it. His uniform reply was that the men 
\vere needed, and that it was his duty to call for them, 
and that he should do it whatever the effect might be 
upon himself. 

November came, and with it the day of election. 
"When the electoral vote was counted, at the time 
fixed by law, it was found that, of 233 votes, Lincoln 
and Johnson had received 212 as candidates for Pres- 
ident and Vice President of the United States. Mc- 
Clellan and Pendleton received the other 21 votes. 
The total popular vote cast was 4,015,902, and the 
majority in favor of Lincoln was 411,428. In a few 
words, courteously spoken to some of his friends 
who called upon him on the night of the election, he 
said : "I do not impugn the motives of any one op- 
posed to me. It is no pleasure to me to triumph over 
any one ; but I give thanks to the Almighty for this 
evidence of the people's resolution to stand by free 
government and the rights of humanity." On another 
occasion, soon after his election, he said: "It has 
demonstrated that a people's government can sustain 
a national election in the midst of a great civil war. 
Until now, it has not been known to the world that 
this was a possibility." This second election of Pres- 
ident Lincoln destroyed the last hope of the rebellion. 
From that time their armies never gained a substan- 
tial victorv. 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 69 

The proclamation of President Lincoln, issued Jan- 
uary 1, 1803, gave freedom to about three millions of 
human beings who, until that time, had been slaves ; 
and declared that they might be enlisted in the mili- 
tary services of the United States. Much ])rejudice 
existed among Union men, and even with Union sol- 
diers, against enrolling colored troops. Governor 
Andrew, of Massachusetts, made the initial move in 
the northern States. He received an order from the 
War Department, dated January 20, 1863, authoriz- 
ing him to organize and equip regiments of colored 
men, to be called United States Colored Troops. As 
soon as this became known, colored men flocked to 
Massachusetts from many of the other States. The 
example of Massachusetts was followed by Rhode 
Island, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Kansas. 
In March, the Government sent Adjutant General 
Thomas to the Southwest for the purpose of organiz- 
ing colored troops. It was but a short time after en- 
listment commenced until they were in the field. By 
their bravery in battle, they, at the same time, assist- 
ed in subduing the rebels and conquering the preju- 
dices of the white soldiers. 

Regarding slavery as the sole cause of the war, I 
select the following quotations from the annual mes- 
sage of President Lincoln to Congress, December 8, 
1863. Speaking of our foreign relations, he says : 
"The supplemental treaty between the United States 
and Great Britain for the suppression of the African 
slave trade, made on the 17th day of February last, 
has been duly notified and carried into execution. It 
is believed that, so far as American ports and Ameri- 
can citizens are concerned, that inhuman and odious 
traffic has been brought to an end." Referring to the 
condition of the country at the time of tiieir annual 
meeting a year before, and contrasting it with the 
present, he said : 



70 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOIA'. 

"The preliminary emancipation proclamation, issued in Sep- 
tember, was running its assigned period to the beginning of the 
new j'ear. A month later the final proclamation came, includ- 
ing the announcement that colored men of suitable condition 
would be received into the war service. The policy of emanci- 
pation and of employing black soldiers, gave to the future a new 
aspect, about which hope, and fear, and doubt, contended in un- 
certain conflict. According to our political system, as a matter 
of civil administration, the General Government had no lawful 
power to ettect emancipation in any State; and for a long time 
it had been hoped that the rebellion could be suppressed without 
resorting to it as a militar}'^ measure. It was all the while deemed 
possible that the necessity for it might come, and that if it 
should, the crisis of the contest would then be presented. It 
came, and, as was anticipated, it was followed by dark and 
doubtful daj^s. Eleven months having now passed, we are per- 
mitted to take another review. The rebel borders are pressed 
still further back, and by the complete opening of the Missis- 
sippi the countrj' dominated by the rebellion is divided into dis- 
tinct parts, with no practical communication between them. 
Tennessee and Arkansas have been substantialh' cleared of in- 
surgent control, and intiuential citizens in each, owners of slaves 
and advocates of slavery at the beginning of the rebellion, now 
declare openly for emancipation in their respective States. Of 
those States not included in the emancipation proclamation — 
Maryland and Missouri — neither of which, three years ago, 
would have tolerated any restraint upon the extension of slavery 
into new Territories, only dispute now as to the best mode of re- 
moving it within their own limits. Of those who were slaves at 
the beginning of the rebellion, full one hundred thousand are 
now in the United States military service, about one half of 
whicli number actually bear arms in the ranks." 

Ill the .same mes.sage, speaking of the mode of re- 
constructing State governments where they had been 
overthrown, lie advocateil the policy of requiring a 
test oath to sustain the emancipation measures, in the 
following language : 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 71 

"But if it be preper to reciuire, as a test of admission to the ]w. 
litical body, an oatli of allegiance to the United States and to the 
Union under it, why not also to the laws and proclamations in 
regard to slaverj^ ? Those hiws and proclamations were enacted 
and put forth for the purpose of aiding in the suppression of the 
rebellion. To give them their fullest effect, there had to be a 
pledge for their maintenance. In my judgment they have aided, 
and will further aid, the cause for which they were intended. To 
now abandon them M'ould be, not only to relinquish a lever pow- 
er, but would also be a cruel and an astounding breach of faith. 
I may add at this point that, while I remain in my present posi- 
tion, I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation 
proclamation; nor shall I return to slaveiy any person who is 
free by the terms of that proclamation, or by any of the acts of 
Congress. For these and other reasons, it is thought best that 
support of these measures shall be included in the oath. * * * 
The movements by State action for emancipation in several of 
the States, not included in the emancipation proclamation, are 
matters of profound gratulation. And while I do not repeat in 
detail wdiat I have so earnestly urged upon this subject, my gen- 
eral views and feelings remain unchanged, and I trust that Con- 
gress will omit no fair opportunity of aiding these important 
steps to a great consummation." 

An act to repeal all fuoitive slave laws passed both 
houses of Congress, and was approved by President 
Lincoln, Juae 28, 1804. Dtiring the summer and 
autumn of that year elections were held in nearly all 
the loyal States for members of the 39th Congress, 
and in November for the election of a President and 
Vice President of the United States, which resulted, 
as previously stated, in the second election of Abra- 
ham Lincoln. 



CHAPTEE Yl 



At the assembling of the second session of the 
Thirtv-eighth Congress, December 6, 1864, President 
Lincoln referred to the fact that at the previous session 
a joint resolution passed the Senate to submit an 
amendment to the constitution of the United States 
abolishing slavery throughout the Union, to the Leg- 
islatures of the several States, but it failed in the 
House of Representatives for want of a two-thirds 
majoritv. He reminded them of the advanced posi- 
tion of the American people on the subject of abolish- 
ing slavery; and urged them to reconsider the ques- 
tion, and submit it to the action of the State Legisla- 
tures. He assureil them that it must come to that, 
and the sooner it was done the better. In closing 
that message he says : 

" I retract nothing heretofore said as to slavery. I repeat the 
declaration made a year ago, that while I remain in my present 
position, I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipa- 
tion proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery any person who 
is free by the terms of that proclamation, or by the acts of Con- 
gress. If the people should, by whatever mode or means, make 
it an executive duty to re-enslave such persons, another, and not 
I, must be their instrument to perform it. 

" In stating a single condition of peace, I mean simply to say 
that the war will cease on the part of the Government whenever 
it shall have ceased on the part of those who began it." 

Aside from the three million slaves liberated by the 
emancipation proclamation, there yet remained in 
bondaiic more than one million of the African race. 



LIFE OE ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 7,3 

But a small iiiimher of tliese were held by men who 
were real friends to the Government in its efforts to 
crush out the crreat rebellion. Being in that part of 
the country bordering on the line between the original 
free and slave States, which territory was under the 
control of the civil authorities, and their owners nom- 
inally loyal, the Government did not feel authorized 
to declare them free as a war measure. The convic- 
tion, however, steadily gained in the minds of the 
people, that peace could never be firmly established 
until slavery was totally and forever abolished. Va- 
rious plans were proposed and discussed for compen- 
sated emancipation, and in the meantime slave prop- 
erty was becoming less secure. 

On the 11th of January, 1864, Mr. Henderson, of 
INIissouri, introduced a joint resolution into the Senate^ 
proposing amendments to the constitution of the Uni- 
ted States, which was read and referred to the Judiciary 
Committee. On the 10th of February, the committee 
made a report through its chairman, the Hon. Lyman 
Trumbull. The joint resolution was amended by the 
committee so as to provide for submitting to the Leg- 
islatures of the several States a proposition to amend 
the constitution of the United States so that neither 
slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punish- 
ment for crime, shall exist in the United States, or 
any place subject to their jurisdiction; and also, that 
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by 
ap})ropriate legislation. The report of this committee 
was taken up and discussed as many as thirteen times 
— some of them occupying whole days — until tlie 8th 
of April, when it was adopted, 38 to 8. Its title was 
amended so as to read — 

A joint resolution submitting to the Legislatures of the several 
States a proposition to amend the Constitution of the United 
States : 
Besolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 

States vf America in Congress assembled — two thirds of both Houses 



(4 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

conciirrinf/, That the following article be proposed to the Lesis. 
latures of the several States as an amendment to the constitution 
of the United States, which, when ratitied by three-fourths of 
said Legislatures, shall be valid, to all intents and purposes, as a 
part of said constitution, namely: 

AKTICLE XIIT. 

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntarj^ servitude, except 
as a punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly 
convicted, shall exist witliin the United States or any place sub- 
ject to their jurisdiction. 

Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article with 
appropriate legislation. 

After liavlno- pa.^sed the Senate, it wa.s sent to tlie 
Hou.se, where it wa.s defeated for want of a two-thirds 
majority. A motion to reconsider, entered by INIr. 
Ashley, of Ohio. Avas pending in the House Avhen Con- 
gress adjourned. The elections of 1864 demonstrated, 
by largely increased Republican majorities, that the 
sentiments of the people were in favor of the entire 
abolition of slavery. Mr. Lincoln, in his last annual 
message, December, 1864, referred to the result of the 
elections as an indication of the popular w'ill, and re- 
commended that the subject be again taken up and 
passed. 

On the 6th of January, 1865, Mr. Ashley called up 

s former motion 
speech in its favor. 

The question was discussed at great length. Tho.se 
speaking in the affirmative were Ashley, of Ohio; 
Orth, of Indiana; Kasson, of Iowa; Farnsworth, of 
Illinois; Jenckes, of iihode Island; \N'oodbridge, of 
Wriuuiii;; Thayer, of Pennsylvania; Rollins, of Mis- 
souri; GarHeld, of Ohio; Tliaddeus Stevens, of l*enn- 
sylvania, and others. Those speaking in the op})osi- 
tion were Townsend, of New York; Holman, Cravens 
and Vorhees, of Indiana; Mallory, of Kentucky ; Ter- 



T.IFE OF AEPvAHA^^r LINCOLN. / O 

nnivlo Wood, of New York; Pendleton, of Olilo, 
and others. 

Verv many eloquent passages might be culled from 
the speeches delivered on that resolution, but I will 
onlv give a few brief quotations from the Hon. Mr. 
Roilins, of Missouri, and Thad. Stevens, of Pennsyl- 
vania. Mr. Rollins had been a slaveholder, until a 
few days before they were all liberated by an amend- 
ment to the State constitution of Missouri. He said: 



" I am a believer in tlie Declaration of Independence, wherein 
it is assei-ted that 'all men are created equal.' I believe that 
when it says '■all men,'' it means every man who was created in 
the 'image of his Maker,' and walks on God's footstool, without 
regard to race, color or any accidental circumstance by which he 
may be surrounded. ****** 

"An anti-slavery man in sentiment, and yet heretofore a large 
owner of slaves myself — not now, however — not exactly with my 
consent. The convention which recently assembled in my State, 
I learned from a telegram a morning or two ago, had adopted an 
amendment to our present State constitution for the immediate 
emancipation of all the slaves in the State. I am no longer the 
owner of a slave, and I thank God for it. If the giving up of my 
slaves, without complaint, shall be a contribution upon my part 
to promote the public good, to uphold the constitution of the 
United States, to restore peace and preserve this Union, if I had 
owned a thousand slaves, they icould most cJieerfully have been given 
up. I say, with all my heart, let them go, but let them not go 
without a sense of feeling and a proper regard on \\\y part for the 
future of themselves and their oUspring!" * * * 

Mr. Rollins concluded by saying — 

" Let ours be the 'bright particular star' next to the star that 
led the shepherds to Bethlehem, which shall lead the downtrod- 
den and oppressed of all the world into an harbor of peace, secu- 
rity and happiness; and let us, kneeling around the altar, all 
thank God that, although we have had our trials, we have saved 



76 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

our country; that, althouffh we have been Eruilty of sins, vre have 
Avipcd tliem out, and that we at length stand up a great and 
powerful people, honored by all the earth, 'redeemed, regenerated 
and disenthralled by the genius of universal emancipation." 

"^I'lie venerable leader of the House arose to close 
the debate on this great measure, and the members 
gathered around him, filling the seats and aisles and 
eve'rv available spot near the "old man eloquent." 
Intel igence was sent to the Senate thatThad. Stevens 
was speaking on the constitutional amendment. ]\rany 
of the Senators came in and the Judges of the Sui)rcme 
Court to hear him speak on a measure that was to 
crown the labors of forty years with complete success. 
As soon as the vast audience could get into their 
places, all were hushed into silence. 

Mr. Stevens commenced by narrating the progress 
of the anti-slavery cause from its feeble beginning. I 
can only find room for a few extracts from a speech 
which attracted the closest attention from the first to 
the last sentence. He said — 

" From my earliest youth I was taught to read the Declaration 
of Independence, and to receive its sublime principles. As I ad- 
vanced in life, and became somewhat enabled to consult the 
writings of the great men of antiquity, I found in all their works 
whicli have survived the ravages of time, and come down to the 
present generation, one unanimous denunciation of tyranny and 
of slaverj', and eulogy of liberty. 

* * * * ^: * * * 

" In immortal language all denounced slavery as a thing which 
took away half of the man and degraded hum;m beings, and sang 
jjraise in tlio noblest strains to the goddess of liberty; and my 
hatred of this infernal institution, and my love for liberty, was 
further inflamed as I saw the inspired teachings of Socrates and 
the divine inspirations of Jesus. 

"Being fixed in these principles immovably and immutably, I 
took ra}' stand among mj' fellow-citizens, and on all occasions, 
wliether in pul)lic or in private, in season, and if there could be 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 77 

such a time, out of season, I never hesitated to express those 
ideas and sentiments, and when I went first into public assem- 
blies, forty years ago, I uttered this language. I have done it 
amid the pelting and hooting of mobs, but I never quailed be- 
fore the infernal spirit, and I hope I never shrank from the 
responsibility of my language. * * * * 

" Wlien, fifteen years ago, I was honored with a seat in this 
body, it was dangerous to talk against this institution — a danger 
which gentlemen now here will never be able to appreciate. 
Some of us, however, have experienced it. * * * And 
yet, sir, I did not hesitate, in the midst of bowie-knives and re- 
volvers, and howling demons upon the other side of the House, 
to stand here and denounce this infamous institution in language 
which possibly now, on looking at it, I might deem intemperate, 
but which I then deemed necessary to rouse the public attention 
and cast odium upon the worst institution on earth — one which 
is a disgrace to man and would be an annoyance to the infernal 
spirits. 

In the course of the debate, the Hon. George H. 
Pendleton had made a pathetic appeal for the consti- 
tution as it was, with all its guarantees for slavery. 
Mr. Stevens referred to Mr. Pendleton's speech in his 
closing sentences, in the following language : 

" Perhaps I ought not to occupy so much time, and I will only 
say one word further. So far as the appeals of the learned gentle- 
man are concerned, his pathetic winding up, I will be willing to 
take my chance when all moiilder into the dust. He may have 
his epitaph, if it be truly written, 'Here rests the ablest and most 
pertinacious defender of slavery and opponent of liberty;' and I 
will be satisfied if my epitaph shall be written thus: 'Here lies 
one who never rose to any eminence, and who only courted the 
low ambition to have it said that he had striven to ameliorate 
the condition of the poor, the lowly, the down-trodden of every 
race and language, and color.' I shall be content with such a 
eulogy on his lofty tomb, and such an inscription on my humble 
grave, to trust our memories to the judgment of other ages." 



78 T.IFK OF ABE A HAM LIXCOT-N. 

Dnrino; the cleliverv of this speeeli, the circle sot 
apart for the representatives of all the other govern- 
ments of the world was crowded ; the floor of the 
House was filled, and the galleries were packed with 
distinguished soldiers, civilians and citizens. The 
vote on the final passge of the joint resolution was to 
be taken at its close, and no one knew with certainty 
what would be the result. It was known that the 
Republicans alone could not pass it; there must be 
accessions from the Democratic side of the House, 
or the measure wouhl fail. English, of Connecti- 
cut, was the first Democrat who responded «//e, which 
drew fourth great applause from the House and gal- 
leries. There were enough accessions to foot up the 
vote, 119 ayes and 56 nays ; when the Speaker made 
the formal announcement : "The constitutional ma- 
joritv of two-thirds -having voted in the affirmative, 
the joint resolution is passed." This was followed by 
an uncontrolable outburst of enthusiasm. The cheer- 
ing was commenced among the members and was 
taken up in the galleries. Finally, Mr. Ingersoll. of 
Illinois, who was the successor of Owen Lovejoy; in 
honor of the sublime event, moved that the House ad- 
jcuirn. The motion was carried, amid the roar of artil- 
lery, by which it was announced to the peu})le of 
Washington that the joint resolution submitting to 
tiie State Legislatures for their action an amentlnient 
to the constitution for the total abolition of slavery 
in the United States had passed* both Houses of Con- 
gress. 

Personal friends of President Lincoln hastened to 
the U'hite House and exclianged congratulations witli 
him on the result. His heart was filled with joy, as 
he saw in this action of Congress the complete con- 
summation of his own great work. He had seen his 
emancipation proclamation sustained by the victorious 
Union armies in the iield, by the people at tlie Presi- 
dential election, and now tlie constitutional niajority 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 79 

of two-thirds in both Houses of Congress had voted 
to submit to the poo]ile, through their Representatives 
in the State Legishatures, the constitutional amend- 
ment for the final abolition of slavery. 

It is a settled ]>rinciple in National legislation that 
the approval of the Executive is not necessary to give 
vital force to a joint resolution of the two Houses of 
Congress; but during the excitement attending the 
])assage of the joint resolution submitting the amend- 
ment for the abolition of slavery, it was presented to 
and signed by President Lincoln. Although done in 
a mistake, it seems to have been appropriate, as it was 
the last act it was possible for him to do. It then 
only remained for a majority of the State Legislatui'es 
to approve of the resolution, and for the Secretary of 
State for the United States to proclaim the fact and 
declare the article so submitted to be a part of the 
constitution of the United States. 

Lest this action of President Lincoln should become 
a troublesome precedent, Senator Trumbull introduced 
a joint resolution in the Senate, reciting the facts in 
the case, and declaring that such approval was un- 
necessary to effect the action of Congress. 

The joint resolution for the extinction of slavery 
passed Congress, and received the signature of the 
President, January 31, 1865. The Legislature of 
Illinois being then in session, took up. the question at 
once, and in less than twenty-four hours after its })as- 
sage by Congress, President Lincoln had the satisfac- 
tion of receiving a telegram from his old home, 
announcing the fact that the constitutional anicnd- 
nieut had been ratified by both Houses of the Legis- 
lature of his own State, Feb. 1, 1865. Then came 
the action of the Legislatures of other States in tlie 
order named: lihode Island and Michigan, Feb. 2; 
Maryland, Feb. 1 and o; New York, Feb. 2 and -"J; W esc 
Virginia, Feb. 3; Maine and Kansas, Feb. 7; Massa- 
chusetts and Pennsylvania, Feb. 8; Virginia; Feb. 



80 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLX. 

9; Ohio and ^Nrissoiiri. Feb. 10; Xevada and Indiana, 
Feb. 16; Louisiana, Feb. 17; Minnesota. Feb. 8 and 
23; Wisconsin, March 1; Vermont, March 9; Ten- 
nessee, April 5 and 7 ; Arkansas, April 20 ; Connec- 
ticut, ISIay 5; New Hampshire July 1; South Caro- 
lina, Nov. 13; Alabama, Dec. 2: Xorth Carolina, 
Dec. 4; Georgia, Dec. 9; Oregon, Dec. 11. 

This made twenty-eight, one more than the requi- 
site three-fourths of the thirty-six States. Having 
ratified the amendment, there was nothing wanting to 
make it a part of the constitution of the United States, 
except the official announcement, which came in the 
following: 

"PROCLAMATION. 

"William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States; to 
all whom these presents may come — greeting : 

"Know Ye, that Whereas, The Congress of the United States, 
on the 1st of February last, passed a resolution, which is in the 
words following, namely : 

" 'A resolution submitting to the Legislatures of the several 
States a proposition to amend the constitution of the United 
States : 

" 'Resolved ly the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled — tico-thirds of both 
Houses concurring, That the following article be proposed to the 
Legislatures of the several States as an amendment to the consti- 
tution of the United States, which, when ratitied hj three-fourths 
of said Legislatures, shall be valid, to all intents and purposes, 
as a part of said constitution, namely: 

" 'ARTICLE XIII. 

" 'Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, ex- 
cept as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have 
been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States or any 
place subject to their jurisdiction. 

" 'Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by 
appropriate legislation.' 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 81 

"And Whereas, It appears from official documents on file in 
this department that the amendment to the constitution of the 
United States proposed as aforesaid has been ratified by the Leg- 
islatures of the States of Illinois, Rhode Island, Michigan, Mary- 
land, New York, West Virginia, Kansas, Massachiisetts, Pennsyl- 
vania. Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, Nevada, Indiana, Louisiana, 
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, Tennessee, Arkansas, Connecti- 
cut, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Alabama, North Carolina 
and Georgia — in all, twenty-seven States ; 

"And Whereas, The whole number of States in the United 
States is thirty-six ; 

"And Whereas, The before specially named States, whose 
Legishitures have ratified the said proposed amendment, consti- 
tute three-fourths of the whole number of States in the United 
States ; 

"Now, Therefore, he it Known, That I, William H. Seward, 
Secretary of State of the United States, by virtue and in pursuance 
of the second section of the act of Congress, approved the 20th 
of April, 1818, entitled 'An Act to provide for the publication of 
the laws of the United States, and for other purposes,' do hereby 
certify that the amendment aforesaid has become valid, to all in- 
tents and purposes, as a part of the constitution of the United 
States. 

" In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
caused the seal of the Department of State to be affixed. 

" Done at the city of Washington, the 18th day of 
December, in the year of our Lord, 1865, and of 
[seal.] the Independence of the the United States of 

America the 90th. 

" WM. H. SEWARD, 

'■'■Secretary of Stated 

Although no more States were required, the amend- 
ment was ratified by California, Dec. 20; Florida, 
Dec. 28, 1865 ; New Jersey, Jan. 23, 1866, and Iowa, 
Jan. 24, 1866. 
6 



CHAPTER YII. 



The election for President and Vice-President hav- 
ing' taken place in ]S"ovember 1864, both Houses of 
Congress assembled in the Hall of the House of 
Representatives, February 8th, 1865, for the purpose 
of opening and counting the votes. As previously 
stated in these pages, the whole number of^ electoral 
votes cast was two liundred and thirty-three. Of these 
Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, as candidates 
for President and Vice-President, received two hun- 
dred and twelve votes, and George B. McClellan and 
George H. Pendleton, as candidates for the same of- 
fices, received 21 votes. Lincoln and Johnson was, 
of course, declared to be elected. 

On the 4th of March, 1865, Abraham IJncoln was 
inaugurated President of the United States for the 
second term, amid the acclamations of an immense 
throng of visitors from all parts of the United States. 
His inaugural address on that occasion is justly con- 
sidered one of the most remarkable State papers ever 
written, and was the last public address he ever de- 
livered. No extract from it could do it justice, and 
for that reason I give it entire: 

" Fellow Coitntrymen : At this second appearing to take the 
oatli of tlie Presidential office there is less occasion for an ex- 
tended address than there was at tlie first. Tlien a statement 
somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and 
proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which 
public declarations have been constantly called forth on every 
point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the at- 
tention and engross the energies of the nation, little that is new 



LIFE f)F ABn.\IIA.>[ T.IXCOLX. S3 

could be presented. The proirress of onr arms, upon wliicli all 
else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to n)ysclf, 
and it is, I trust reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. 
AVith high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is 
ventured. 

"On the occasion corresponding to this, four years ago, all 
thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. 
All dreaded it; all sought to avert it. While the inaugural 
address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether 
to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the 
city seeking to destroy it without war — seeking to dissolve the 
Union and divide its effects by negotiation. Both parties depre- 
cated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the 
nation survive, and the other would accc'pt war rather than let 
it perish. And the war come. 

" One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not 
distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern 
part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful in- 
terest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of 
the war. To strengthen, perpetuate and extend this interest was 
the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even 
by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than 
to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party ex- 
pected for the war, the magnitude or duration Avhich it has 
already obtained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the con- 
flict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should 
cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fund- 
amental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to 
the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It 
may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's 
assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's 
faces; but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers 
of both could not be answered — those of neither have been an- 
swered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto 
the world because of offenses ! for it must needs be that offenses 
come ; but woe to that man by whom the oflfense cometh. 

" If we shall suppose that American slaver}^ is one of those of- 
fenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but 
which, having continued through His appointed time, He now 
wills to remove, and that He gives to North and South this 



84 LIFE OF ABE A HAM LINCOLN. 

terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom tlie oflense came, 
shall we discern therein any departure from those Divine at- 
tributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to 
Him ? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty 
scourge of war may soon pass away. Yet, if God wills that it 
continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hun- 
dred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until 
every drop of blood drawn by the lash shall be paid by another 
drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so 
still it must belaid: ' The judgments of the Lord are true and 
righteous altogether.' 

" With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness 
in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to 
finish the work we are in ; to bind up the nation's wounds ; to 
care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow 
and for his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish a 
just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations." 

The closing scenes of the war were beins; enacted 
in qnick succession. The rebel Congress, driven to 
desperation, enacted a law which Avas approved by 
their President, JeflF. Davis, March 15th, 1865, giving 
freedom to the slaves on condition of their entering 
the military service of the confederacy. Orders were 
at once issued from the rebel War Department for the 
drilling to commence, but it was too late. All their 
schemes failed, and the only good accomplished by it 
was to exhibit to the world the complete failure of 
the eifort to establish a government, the chief corner- 
stone of which should be human slavery. The con- 
spiracy Avas in its death throes. Gen. Grant 
"moved upon the rebel works" at Petersburg and 
carried them ; the rebels retreating towards Kichmond, 
which in turn they evacuated, and on the third day of 
April a corps of U. S. Colored Soldiers, under Gen- 
eral Weitzel, took possession of the city which had 
been for four long years the capital of the rebel gov- 
erument. 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 85 

On the fourth day of April, just one month after 
the seconrl inauijuration of President Lincoln, his 
feet trod the pavements of the rebel capital, and he 
held a levee in the mansion just evacuated by the 
rebel President, who was then a fus^itive, with $100,- 
000 offered as a reward for his arrest. 

On the ninth of April the whole rebel army, un- 
der General Lee, styled the army of Northern Vir- 
ginia, and now reduced to about twenty-five thousand 
men, surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox 
Court House. The news flashed on the wires to all 
parts of the loyal States. Victory! Victory!! Peace! 
Peace ! ! were the exclamations from the lips of all, 
and the wildest demonstrations of delight were spon- 
taneously indulged in by the loyal millions in every 
part of the land. The surrender of the rebel Gener- 
al Johnston, with all his forces was only a question 
of a few days' time. 

The tremendous burden of responsibility which for 
four long, weary years rested upou the shoulders of 
President Lincoln, was now about to be removed, 
and he was looking forward in joyous anticipation to 
the dav when the clangor of arms should cease, and 
with the smoke of battle cleared away, he should en- 
ter upon the pacific work of restoring the nation from 
tiie ravages of Avar to its proper condition in time 
of peace. 

As a fitting initial to the work of restoration, the 
President instituted measures to have the old flag, 
which had been lowered at Fort Sumter in the pres- 
ence of the parricidal sons of the nation, on the four- 
teenth of April, 1861, elevated to its place on the 
tourth anniversary of that event. Orders were issued 
by the Secretary of War to Capt. Gadsden to have tlie 
fine ocean steamer, Arago, in readiness to convey a 
select party to that historic spot, the mass of ruins 
that was once called Fort Sumter. 

Of the party who sailed on the Arago, to the num- 
ber of two or three hundred, it is necessary to men- 



86 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LTXCOT.X. 

tion tlie names of a few who were assiixnocl to special 
duties on that occasion. There was General Robert 
Anderson, the hero of the expedition, and the Rev. 
Henry Hard Beecher. wlio had been selected to de- 
liver the oration. Tlien there was AVilliam Lloyd 
Garrison, of our own country, and George Thomi)son, 
of En crland, " life-long co-workers for the abolition 
of slaverv, each the chamjMon of a great nation." 
Tliere was also General, now Governor, Dix, of New 
York ; Hon Joseph Holt, of Kentucky ; Senator Wil- 
son, of iMassachusetts : Justice Swayne. of tlie Supreme 
Court of the United States, and a host of others, in- 
cluding Lieutenant Governor Charles Anderson, a 
brother to the General, and who soon after became 
Governor of the State of Ohio, in consequence of the 
death of Governor Brougli. 

Besides the Arago there were other vessels chartered 
for the occasion, each bearing some of the distin- 
guished personages of the land, so that the entire 
party numbered about five thousand. A correspond- 
ent of the New York Independent, describing the 
approach to the battered walls of Fort Sumter, says : 
"There was but one strain worthy of the moment; it 
was neither the Star Spangled Banner nor our own 
grand America. We all broke forth into — 

' " Praise God, from wlioiii all blessings flow. " 

The vessels had been so well timed that the party 
landed about noon on the day they were celebrating, 
April 14th. A prayer was offered by the Rev. Mat- 
thias Harris — who was Chaplain at the Fort four 
years before — and a portion of Scripture read, followed 
by the reading of the dispatcii sent by Major AntU.'r- 
soM to the Government, announcing the evacuation 
of Fort Sumter on the 14th of April, 1861. Tlie 
]\Iaior, now General, Anderson, and Sergeant Hart 
then ste])ped forward and hoisted tlie well preserved 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 87 

flag,riniicl unbounded enthusiasm, and salutes were fired 
from the batteries and fleet. Sergeant Hart was the 
same man who, w'hen the staff of this flag had been 
sliot off four years before, rescued and restored it to 
its place upon the fortifications. As soon as the flag 
was thrown to the breeze. Gen. Anderson delivered 
the following brief speech: 

"■ 3Iy Friends and Fellow Citizens, and Brother Soldiers: By 
the considerate appointment of the Hon. Secretary of War, I am 
liere to fulfill the cherished wish of my heart through four long 
years of bloodj' war; to restore to its proper place this dear flag, 
which floated here during peace, before the first act of cruel re- 
bellion. I thank God that I have lived to see this daj% and to be 
here to perform this duty to my country. My heart is filled with 
gratitude to that God who has so signally blessed us; who has 
given us blessings beyond measure. May all the world proclaim , 
'Glory to God in the higliest, on earth peace; good will toward 
men.' " 

Rev. Henry 'SVard Beecher then delivered a most 
thrilling and eloquent oration of about two hours 
duration. A synopsis of that oration can not be 
given here, but I must satisfy myself with one or two 
quotations : 

" When God would prepare Moses for emancipation. He over- 
threw his first steps, and drove him for forty years to brood in 
the wilderness. When our flag came down, four years it lay 
brooding in darkness. It cried to the Lord, ' Wlierefore am I 
deposed V Then arose before it a vision of sin. It had strength- 
ened the strong and forgotten the weak. It proclaimed liberty, 
but trod upon slaves. In that seclusion it dedicated itself to 
liberty. Behold to-day it fulfills its vows! When it went down 
four million people had no flag. To-day it rises and [the same] 
four million people cry out, ' Behold our Flag ! ' 

"From this pulpit of broken stone we speak forth our earnest 
greeting to all our land. We ofier to the President of these 



88 LIFE OF ARRAHAM LINCOLN. 

United States our solemn congratulations that God has sustained 
his life and health under the unparalleled burdens and sutierings 
of four bloody years, and permitted him to beliold this auspi- 
cious consummation of that national unity for which he has 
labored with such disinterested wisdom." 

The kiiullv words spoken of President Ijincoln 
■were never known to him. Little did the orator 
think that in less than ten honrs the hand of an as- 
sassin would put an end to that life, for the preserva- 
tion of which he had been pourinsr out congratula- 
tions. Rumors of threatened assassination had from 
time to time reached the ear of the public, but so 
many dark days had been passed in safety that little 
or no danger was apprehended of such a calamity, 
especially at this time, when the enemies of the nation 
were melting away before our armies as mist before 
the risino; sun. 



CHAPTER yilL 



Mr. Lincoln saw the storm comins: lonjof before it 
burst upon the nation, and from the time he became 
satisfied that he was abont to be the choice of the 
peo)ile for President of the United States, he never 
donbted that he was chosen by the Almighty to do 
some special work. This feeling clung to him all 
throuo-h his presidential career. Running parallel 
with this was another feeling, that when his work' was 
done he would pass away. On these two points he 
often conversed, and to his friends he sometimes ex- 
pressed himself quite freely. 

Among the earliest of his utterances on record with 
reference to these matters, is a series of conversations 
in the autumn of 1860, with the Hon. Newton Bate- 
man, of Springfield, Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
tion for Illinois, now President elect of Knox College. 
After Mr. Lincoln was nominated by the Chicago con- 
vention in May, 1860, he for a time received the pub- 
lic at his own residence. This, however, interfered so 
much with the privacy of the family that the Execu- 
tive Chamber, a fine, large room in the State House, 
was tendered to him. In this he received all who had 
a mind to call on him, until after his election and de- 
})arture for Washington. The room of Mr. Bateman 
was adjoining the Executive Chamber, and by a pi'i- 
vate door the occupants of these rooms could commu- 
nicate wlien they desired to do so. This door was 
frequently open during the seven months the room 
was occupied by Mr. Lincoln. When he was tired lie 
would often close the outer door against intrusion, and 



90 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

call Mr. Bateman in for a quiet talk. On one of these 
occasions, aftci' a long conversation about the incon- 
sistenev of ministers of the Gospel, and other profes- 
sing Christians M'ith whom they Avere both acquaint- 
ed in their ])olitical action, he said: "Mr. Bateman, 
I am not a Christian — God knows I would be one, but 
I have carefully read the Bible, and I do not so un- 
derstand this book," and he drew from his bosom a 
copy of the New Testament, and continued: "These 
men well know that I am for freedom in the territo- 
ries, freedom everywhere, as far as the constitution 
and laws will permit, and that my opponents are lor 
slavery. They know this, and yet, with this Book in 
their hands, in the light of M'hich human bondage can 
not live a moment, they are going to vote against me. 
I do not understand it at all." He then paused, his 
features manitesting intense emotion; he arose, and 
walked the room, in the effort to regain his eompo- 
sui-e. He at length stopped, his cheeks wet with tears, 
his voice trembling, and he said: 

" I know there is a God, aud that He liates iDJustice and skive- 
ly. 1 see the storm coming, and I know that His hand is in it. 
If lie has a place aud work for me — and I think He has — I be- 
lieve 1 am ready. I know I am right, because I know that Lib- 
erty is right, for Christ teaches it, and Christ is God. I have told 
them that a house divided against itself cannot stand, aud Christ 
aud reason say the same ; and they will find it so." 

He then spoke of those who did not care whether 
slavery was voted up or voted down, and theu said : 

" God cares, and humanity cax'cs, aud I care; and with God's 
help I shall not fail. / ')iiai/ not see the end, but it will come, aud 
I shall be vindicated; and these men will find that they have uot 
read their Bibles aright." 

Much of this was spoken as if he was talking to 
himself, aud in a nuinucr peculiarly sad, earnest and 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. ' 91 

.solemn. Resuming the conversation after a short 
jiause, he said : 

" Does it not appear strange that men can ignore the moral as- 
pects of this contest ? A revelation could not make it plainer to 
me, that slavery or the government must be destroyed. The fu- 
ture would be something awful, as I look at it, but for this rock 
on which I stand" — (alluding to the Testament which he still 
held in his hand) — "especially with the knowledge of how these 
ministers are going to vote. It seems as if God had borne with 
this thing — slavery — until the very teachers of religion have come 
to defend it from the Bible, and to claim for it a divine character 
and sanction ; and now the cup of iniquity is full, and the vials 
of wrath will be poured out.". 

Tn tlie cotirse of his conversation with Mr. Bate- 
man lie unreservedly expressed his conviction of the 
necessity of faith iu the Christian's God, as an element 
of successful statesmanship, that it gave calmness 
to the mind which made a man firm and immovable 
amid the wildest excitements. After expressing his 
belief in an overruling Providence, and the fact of 
God in history, the subject of prayer was introduced. 
" He freely stated his belief in the duty, privilege and 
efficacy of prayer, and intimated, iu unmistakable 
terms, that he had sought in that way the divine guid- 
ance and favor." \A'hen this interview was drawing 
to a close, Mr. Bateman said: "I have not su])posetl 
that you were accustomed to think sC much upon tliis 
class of subjects. Certainly your friends generally are 
ignorant of the sentiments you have expressed to me." 
He replied quickly : "' 1 know they are. I am obliged 
to appear dili'erent to them, but 1 tliink more on tliese 
subjects than upon all others, and I have done so for 
years, and 1 aiu willing you should know it." 

Numerous instances luight be cited of his conver- 
sations before his election and between that and the 
time of his inauguratiou, iu which he expressed the 



92 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LIXCOT,X. 

conviction that the day of the wrath of the Alniiolify 
Avas ar hand, and that lie was to be an actor in the ter- 
rible strngg'le, Avhich wonld issue in the overthrow of 
slavery, and that he did not believe that he would see 
the end, or that he would pass away with that system 
of abominations. 

An incident well calculated to deepen this convic- 
tion in his mind occurred soon alter his first election. 
He related it to some of his friends, but we believe it 
was not made public until after his death. The fol- 
lowing account of it, said to be almost in jSIr. Lin- 
coln's own words, is part of an article from the pen 
of jNIajor John Hay, in Harper^s Magazine for July, 
18(J5. He says: 

" It was just after my election in 18G0, when the news had been 
coming in thick and fast all day, and there had been a great ' hur- 
rah, boys!' so that I was well tired oiU, and went home to rest, 
throwing myself upon a lounge in my chamber. Opposite where 
I lay was a bureau with a swinging glass upon it, and looking at 
that glass I saw myself reflected nearly at full length ; but my 
face, I noticed, had two separate and distinct images, the tip of 
the nose being about three inches from the tip of the other. I 
was a little bothered, perhaps startled, and got up and looked in 
the glass, but the illusion vanished. On la} ing down again, I 
saw it a second time, plainer, if possible then before; and then I 
noticed that one of the faces was a little paler — say Ave shades — 
than the other. I got up and the thing melted away, and I went 
oil", and, in the excitement of the hour, forgot all about it — uear- 
h', but not quite, for the thing would once in a while come up 
and give me a little pang, as though something uncomfortable 
bad happened. When I went home I told my wife about it, and 
a few days after I tried the experiment again, when, sure enough, 
the thing came back again; but I never succeeded in bringing 
it back after that, thougii I once tried very industriously to show 
it to my wife, who was worried about it somewhat. She thouglit 
it was 'a sign' that I was to be elected to a second term of oflice, 
and that the paleness of one of the faces was an omen that I 
should not sec life througli the last term. 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 93 

After the beginning: of hostilities, jNIr. Lineoln's 
whole time was so occnpied, and his mind so absorbed 
with his official duties, that he appears to have forafot- 
ten. for a time, the presentiments that in his more lei- 
sure hours caused him some uneasiness. 

AVhen our men were dying by thousands in the 
arniv hospitals at the south, many of them from no 
other disease than general debility, the best remedy 
for Avhich would have been permission to breathe the 
pure northern air, a lady who had spent much time in 
those southern hospitals, called on President Lincoln 
for the purpose of inducing him to establish hospitals 
in some of the northern States. She knew before 
starting that ISIr. Lincoln, the Surgeon General and 
chief surgeons in most of the departments were oj)p()sed 
to the measure. Mr. Lincoln seemed determined from 
the 'start not to grant her request. He was worn 
down by constant application to business, which made 
him fretful, and at times his answers to her entreaties 
were quite severe. As a last argument, at one of her 
visits, she said : "If you grant my petition you will 
be glad as long as you live. The prayers of grateful 
hearts will give you strength in thov-Jiour of trial, and 
strong and willing arms will return to tight vour bat- 
tles." 

She says that, at these words, the President seemed 
to think that he had possibly done injustice to tlie sol- 
diers, and all the severity left him. He bowed his 
head, and with a look of sadness impossible lor lan- 
guage to describe, said : '• J shall necer be glad any 
more.'' In reply to his mournful utterances, she said : 
"Oh! do not say so, Mr. Lincoln, for who will have 
so much reason to rejoice as yourself when the gov- 
ernment shall be restored, as it will be?" Pressing a 
hand on either side, he said : "I know, I know, but 
the springs of life are wearing away, and I shall not 
last." After six days' perseverance the lady acconi- 



94 LIFE OF AETIAHAM LTNOOLX. 

plisliod lior objeot — the hospital wa.« ostnblished. and 
the President seemed to rejoice that he had been led 
to another act for the relief of the brave soldiers who 
were fiinfhting; the battles of the nation. 

After ^Tr. Lincoln was nominated as a candidate 
for President the second time, there were some dissen- 
sions in the Republican party. ^STanv of the promi- 
nent men of the party fonnd fault Avith him, and even 
talked of an opposition convention to nominate 
another candidate. The people of the Xorth were 
weary of the war, and demagoo:nes were not Avantins: 
in his own party to take advantage of this feeling: to 
increase the dissatisfaction. It was but natural that 
Mr. Lincoln should scan every movement of this kind 
closely, and that, added to his other anxieties, made 
him look careworn and haggard. In the month of 
July, 1864, one of the many newspaper correspond- 
ents who called upon him, remarked that he was 
weai'ing himself out with hard work. The President 
replied. "1 can't work less, but it isn't that; work 
never troubled me ; things look badly, and I cannot 
avoid anxiety. Personally I care nothing about a 
re-election, but i£,our dissensions defeat us I fear for 
the country." On being reminded that right must 
eventually triumph, he admitted that, but exjiressed 
the opinion that he should not live to see it, and 
added : "I feel a presentment that I shall not outlast the 
rebellion. When it is over, my Avork will be done." 

On the evening of the anniversary of Sumter's hu- 
miliation, and the very day of its restoration, a day 
which is called Good Friday, and is observed by a 
large portion of the Christian world as the anniver- 
sary of the crucifixion of the Savior of mankind, 
President Lincoln made up his mind to visit Ford's 
Theatre as a means of relaxing the tension upon his 
physical and mental energies. He entered his car- 
riage at a quarter })ast eight o'clock, accomj)anietl by 
his wife, Miss Clara L. Harris, and Major Henry K. 



TJFR OF abratia:\[ LTNOOTA'. 95 

Rjitlibone. Tlie two latter have sinoebooome man and 
wife. Hon. Georsje Ashninn, of ]\[;issaeliiisotts, Avas in 
conversation witli INIr. Lincoln nntil he entered Ids 
carrino;e, and it was agreed tliat AFr. Ashmun and a 
friend, Jndoe C. P. Daly of New York, slionld have 
an interview with the President the next morning. In 
order to o^nnrd a2:ainst any delav. he took a card 
and resting it upon his knee, wrote with a pencil : 

"AlloAv Mr. Ashmun and friend to come to me at 9 o'clock A. 
M., to-morrow, April 15, 1865. 

A. LrNcOLN." 

Handing the card to Mr. Ashmun, he rode away. 
Those were, without doubt, the last words he ever 
wrote. 

The box occupied by the Presidential party was 
about twelve feet above the stage, looking directly 
upon it. The play for the evening was called "Our 
American Cousin." About half past nine o'clock, at 
a part of the play when the stage was vacant, and all 
eyes were intently tixed upon it, awaiting the en- 
trance of the next actor, the report of a pistol startled 
those in the vicinity of the box occupied by Mr. Lin- 
coln. jSIajor Rathbone turning around, saw through 
the smoke a mau standing in the rear of the Pi-esi- 
dent. Tiie Major sprang up and grappled him, l)iit 
the man dropped his pistol, made a thrust at him with 
a large knile, intlicting a severe wound in the lett 
arm, and wrested himself away. He rushed to tlie 
front of the box, and brandishing the knife theatric- 
ally, shouted, "/67c semper ti/funnis !" — Such be ever 
the fate of tyrants. He tlien put his hands on the 
railing and leaped over on the corner of the stage. 
Having provided liimself with a spur to assist in liis 
flight, it caught in the Iblds of au American Hag it 
was necessary for him to pass over. As if coh^cumis 
of the great crime against freedom, the tiag wrenched 
the spur from his boot which caused him to tail 



96 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

nearlv prostrate. l)v which, it was afterwards ascer- 
tained, a bone in one of his leirs was broken. Not- 
withstandini:: this severe injury he quickly recovered, 
sprang to his feet, again brandished his dagger, and 
exclaimed, ''The South is avenged!^' and rushed out of 
the back door of the Theatre, which he shut after 
him, mounted a horse which an accomplice was hold- 
ing, and rode oft across the Anacosta bridge into 
Maryland, where he expected to make his escape by 
the aid of rebel sym])athizers. 

When the shot was fired, Mr. Lincoln's head fell 
slightly forward, his eyes closed, but he uttered no 
word or cry. Mrs. Lincoln screamed, and Miss Harris 
called for water. Laura Keene, the actress, having 
her own feelings under perfect control, entreated the 
audience to be calm, and entered the box from the 
stage, bearing water and cordials. Women in the au- 
dience shrieked and fainted, men called for ven- 
geance, and the most terrible uproar prevailed. The 
President was at once conveyed out of the Theatre to 
a neighboring residence where he lay unconscious for 
nine hours, and breathed his last at twenty-two min- 
. utes past seven o'clock on Saturday morning, A])ril 
15, 1865. The house in which he died was Ko. 453 
Tentii street, a plain three story brick building. It 
was the residence of a family by the name of Peter- 
son. 

The ball entered the skull behind the left ear, 
crashed upward through the brain, and lodged be- 
hind the right eye. It is not believed that he ever 
knew he was shot, or Avas conscious of suftering. As 
before stated, he had many times been threatened 
with assassination through anonymous letters, and 
had oi'ten been entreated by his friends to take some 
precautions for his own protection, but having "char- 
ity for all, and feeling malice towards none," he weut 
along, seemingly unconscious of the malicious and 
fieudish elements around him. 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 97 

As soon as the horrid deed was accomplished, the 
assassin was recognized, Avhile on the stage, as John 
AVilkes Booth, an actor who was familiar Avith the 
Theatre. It was soon ascertained that an attempt 
had been made, and came very near being successful, 
to assassinate the Hon. W. H. Seward, the Secretary 
of State, and his son Frederick Seward. The whole 
detective force of the Government, and the police 
force of the City of Washington, were at once called 
into requisition to arrest the assassins and unravel the 
intricacies of the plot. 

Tlie greatest efforts were made to arrest Booth, 
large rewards being offered for himself and accom- 
plices. After many false moves, the detectives, un- 
der Col. L. C. Baker, got on the true scent. It was 
found that Booth had ix-netrated about thirty miles 
into Maryland, followed by Harold, who had held the 
horse for him on the night of the assassination. They 
learned that Booth's broken leg had been dressed by 
Dr. Mudd, who had furnished him with a crutch. 
Crippled as he was, he for ten days eluded his pur- 
suers, hiding in the swamps by day, and at night 
working his way further South. 

About tliirty miles south of Washington he crossed 
over the Potomac river into Virginia, and in a few 
hours more would have been under the protection of 
Moseby's rebel guerrillas. By means of infornuition 
volunteered by the colored people, and in some in- 
stances extorted from the whites, they traced him to 
the point where he was ferried across the river. They 
then found the ferryman, and by threats compelled 
him to reveal the hiding place of Booth, which was in 
a barn belonging to a man by the name of Garrutt. It 
was near the town of Bowling Green, between that 
place and Port Boyal. Bowling Green is the county 
seat of Caroline county. The pursuing party, twen- 
ty-eight in number, were a portion of the Sixteentli 
New York Cavalry, under Colonel Conger. They 
7 



98 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

surrounded the barn about dusk, on Tuesday eve- 
nine:, and soon ascertained that Booth and Harold 
were both in the barn. A long parley ensued. Har- 
old finally surrendered, but Booth utterly refused to 
give himself up, and expressed a determination never 
to be taken alive. Col. Conger becoming convinced 
that longer delay was useless, and wishing, if possi- 
ble, to avoid shooting him dead, ordered fire to be 
communicated to some loose straw in the barn, hop- 
ing to drive him out where he could be captured. 

Booth, seeing death or surrender was inevitable, 
obstinately refused to come out, and leaning upon his 
crutch, was in the act of taking aim at one of the pur- 
suing party, who were stationed so as to command ev- 
ery point of observation. Lieutenant Dougherty, 
seeing his movements, ordered Sergeant Boston Cor- 
bett to fire, which he did with a large cavalry pistol. 
The ball entered just below the right ear, and came 
out about an inch above the left ear. He died after 
sutfering about two and a half hours in great agony. 
The barn was fired about three o'clock Wednesday 
morning, April 26th ; Booth received the shot within 
less than an hour, and died that morning. He was a 
native of Baltimore, and was twenty -six years of age. 
The body of Booth was taken back to Washington, 
and after being fully identified, was disposed of by 
government autliority. 

Nine of the more immediate conspirators, including 
Booth, suffered s])eedy punislinient. Harold, Payne — 
who attempted to take the life of Mr. Seward — Atze- 
rott and Mrs. Surratt, were hung; Arnold, Mudd and 
McLaughlin, were imprisoned for life, and Spangler 
for six years. 

John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln 
not because there was any personal animosity between 
them, but as part of a plot to kill all the leatling 
members of the Government that had conquered the 
slaveholders' conspiracy to destroy it. While the 



LIFE OF AP.nAHAM LTXCOLX. 99 

pvpnts oonneotecl M'ith the oaptnre, death and linrial 
of tlie assassin, were transpiring, it was far different 
with his vietim. 

The exeitement cansed hy the intelligence of the 
death of President Lincoln, not only in onr own iia- 
tion bnt thronghont the civilized world, has never 
been eqnalled in human history. Cities, towns and 
villages, were draped in monrning ; all classes and 
conditions of peo|>le lamented him as a fatlier, and 
everywhere the insignia of sorrow was visible. 

We left the partv who had gone down to Fort 
Sumter to restore the old flag to its rightful place, 
at the close of Mr. Beecher's oration, still on that pile 
of historic ruins. All unconscious of what was trans- 
piring at the capitol of the nation — there being no 
telegraphic communication betwe(>n it and the rebel 
States — the excursionists betook themselves to sight- 
seeing, and thus s])ent the entire day of Saturday, the 
fifteenth, visiting famous localities of the once 
haughty, but now desolate and ruined city of Charles- 
ton. The Sabbath, too, was appro]>riately spent in 
religious services among the freed people of the city. 
Mr. Beecher preached in Zion's Church to an audi- 
dience of three thousand dusky-skinned but eager and 
attentive auditors. Thus they spent Saturday and 
Sabbath, intending to continue down the coast to 
Florida before their return. As they were about to 
resume their journey, the appalling news reached 
them that President Lincoln had been assassinated on 
the evening of the day they had just been celebrating. 
All desire to extend their visit vanished, and the prow 
of the Arago was at once turned homeward that they 
might the more freely unite Avith their friends in ex- 
pressions of sorrow at the loss of him who had piloted 
our Ship of State safely through the most terittic storm 
of civil war ever experienced by any government on 
the globe. 



100 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOT,X. 

Two scenes are indelibly fixed in my mind, that 
■will illnstrate the sudden plnng'e of the nation from 
the hisrliest delirium of joy to the lowest depth of sor- 
row. I was in the beautiful little city of Rielimond, 
Indiana, durin;^ the closing scenes of the rebellion. 
INIondav morninq:, April 10, 1865, Avas as bright and 
lieautiful as any that has dawned upon the earth 
since the creation. After an early breakfast I en- 
tered my office and commenced work for the day. I 
had been there but a short time until there appeared 
to be some unusual commotion in the streets. I went 
down, and after a little inquiry learned that a telegram 
had just been received announcing that the Avhole 
rebel army of northern Virginia, that had evacuated 
the Confederate capitol but a few days before, under 
General Lee, had surrendered to General Grant the 
day before, at Appomattox Court House. 

All understood that this Avas virtually and end of 
the rebellion ; men shouted the news to each other. 
Grant has captured the rebel army ! Lee has surren- 
dered to Grant I The rebels are defeated ! The Avar 
Avill soon be over, and then Peace ! Peace ! ! Peace ! ! ! 
Such shouts as these Avere mingled Avith all other im- 
aginable expressions of delight. Business houses 
Avere closed ; in fact, some had not yet been opened 
for the day. Men and boys snatched each other's hats 
and coats ; some even turned their coats inside out, 
and ran and shouted as if they had lost their reason. 
Some laughed, and some shed tears of joy. 

The principal street of the town is a beautiful Avide 
avenue, lined on either side for nearly a mile with 
business houses. These houses nearly all luid Avooden 
aAvnings in front. Some of them Avere old and delap- 
iduted, and even those that Avere comparatively new, 
having been built Avithout any ettbrt at uniformity, 
destroyed the beauty of the street. For several weeks 
a formidable party had been trying to get an ordi- 
nance passed to have tliem all removed, but they were 



LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 101 

not successfal. The City Hall was on a cross street, 
a short distance from this main thorouohfare. On the 
morning of which I am writing, and Avhile the excite- 
ment was at its highest point, one of these men, with 
liis coat tnrned inside ont, ran from the direction of 
the City Hall, and yelled at the top of his voice that 
the City Council had just passed an ordinance that all 
those wooden awnings should be removed. Men never 
stopped to think that it Avas not possible for the Coun- 
cil to have assembled at such a time. But all rushed 
for the awnings, and in less time than it has taken me 
to write this, every house was stripped from one end 
of the street to the other. All the materials, old and 
new, were piled in the middle of the street. At night, 
bonfires were made at every street-crossing, and all 
the rubbish consumed. As soon as the work of de- 
molition commenced, an enterprising photographer 
placed a huge camera at one end of the street, and 
produced one of the most comic historical pictures on 
record. 

The other scene was enacted at the same place five 
days later. I was in my otfice again, quite early on 
Saturday morning, April 15th. A genial, jovial 
friend, who had stepped in to say good morning, left 
the otlice laughing and talking, but very soon re- 
turned with the tears coursing down his manly 
cheeks, and with faltering voice said : ''President 
Lincoln and Secretary Seward were assassiuatecl last 
niglit.^' After exchanging a tew words with him, I 
went out on the street. The day was as bright and 
beautiful as the Monday before had been. Some 
houses were open, and otiiers were being opened, but 
all thoughts of business vanished. Men gutliered in 
groups, and in subdued language communicated the 
sad news. The telegraph office was besieged for more 
news until it was known tliat the President was cer- 
tainly dead, but that Mr. Sewurd was yet alive and 
might possibly recover. 



102 LIFE OF ABEAHAM LINCOLX. 

Men wanclered about in silence, or stood in gronps 
and talked of the horrid crime and its probable effect 
on the country. ISIany were the expressions of sorrow 
for the martvred President, and from none were these 
more heart-felt than the many Quakers who reside in 
that city and vicinity. Some business houses and pri- 
vate residences were draped in mourninfr. Thus the 
dav wore away, and from the beginning to its close 
sadness and gloom were depicted on every counte- 
nance. 



CHAPTER IX. 



"When the sad tidings of the assassination of Abra- 
ham Lincohi were conveyed upon the wings of the tele- 
graph to all parts of America on the morning of April 
15, 1865, there was no place where it fell with such 
crushing weight as in the city of Springfield, where his 
trials and triumphs were personally known to all. This 
was Saturday morning. Only live days before, JNIon- 
day morning, April tenth, the news had been received 
that the largest part of the rebel army, under General 
Lee, had surrendered to our own General Grant. On the 
reception of the news of that surrender in Springfield, 
flags leaped as if by magic from public buildings and 
private residences all over the city. An hour later, all 
business w^as suspended, and the people were assembled 
in and around the State House square, to congratulate 
each other on the glorious news. The excitement in- 
creased with the crowd, and found expression in hur- 
rahs, songs and grotesque processions, and the church 
and fire bells all over the city rang out their merry 
peals. This was continued for hours, and until all 
classes, old and young, joined in the general jubilee. 
Flags, large and small were attached to houses, horses, 
ve"liicles, hats, coats, and every other place where a flag 
could be displayed. Business houses and private resi- 
dences vied with each other in their display of patriotic 
emblems. A splendid flag was thrown to the breeze 
from the old home of President Lincoln. 

In the afternoon a pi-ocession, civic and military, 
chiefly grotesque and ludicrous, paraded the streets. 
The jjrincipal object of interest was the old dark bay 



104 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

horse that Mr. Lincohi had ridden many hundred miles 
on professional business and in his political campaigns. 
" Old Bob," or " Robin," was decorated with a rich 
blanket, red, white and blue, thickly studded with 
flags, and bearing the inscription, " Old Abe's Horse." 
He was soon robbed of his flags, they having been se- 
cured by the people as mementoes. 

About half past six o'clock p. m. a salute of twenty 
guns was fired, followed by a fine display of fire-works. 
Many of the public and private residences were then 
illuminated. By eight o'clock an immense crowd of 
citizens had assembled in the State House and grounds 
surrounding it. Patriotic speeches were made by a 
number of prominent men, interspersed with music by 
a fine band. At a later hour the citizens dispersed to 
their homes ; the noise died away, and the city was at 
rest. It was but a day or two until an order was issued 
by the Secretary of War for all recruiting and drafting 
to cease. This assured the people that the government 
regarded the war to be virtually at an end, and gave a 
new impetus to the rejoicing all over the land. This 
description of the way the people acted in Springfield 
will apply to hundreds and thousands of towns and 
cities all over our country. The people continued to 
meet each other, everywhere, with broad smiles and 
words of congratulation, up to Friday night, April 14. 

We will return again to the citizens of Sjiringfield, 
and describe their actions as an illustration of the sud- 
den change in the feelings of the people all over the 
land, from almost a delirium of joy, to the lowest 
depths of sorrow. 

On the fatal Saturday morning, April 15, the citi- 
zens of Springfield, half dressed, and, perha])S, yawn- 
ing from the effects of a full night's sleep, as they 
sauntered out to their front yards and took uj) the morn- 
ing Journal, saw nothing unusual in the paper at first, 
but on opening it and finding the rules reversed, dis- 
playing heavy dark lines between the columns, they 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 105 

hastened to find the cause. It was the work of a mo- 
ment to read, in substance : 

" Prt'sident Lincoln shot by an assassin, in Ford's Theatre, last 
night! Secretary Seward, at the same time, stabbed, as he lay in 
bed, from the effect of -wounds received by being thrown from his 
carriage a few days before ! ! Both thought to be in a dying con- 
dition!!! Vice President Johnson, Secretary Stanton and Lieut. 
General Grant were to have been assassinated also, but some of 
the conspirators failed to perform the parts assigned them!!!! 
General Grant saved by unexpectedly leaving the Capital ! ! ! ! ! 

By a common impulse, the people assembled about 
the State House square to talk of the awful tidings. 
The telegraph office was besieged for more news. It 
was ascertained at an early hour that the President was 
DEAD, and later in the day, that Secretary Seward 
would probably recover. After the first shock, all felt 
a desire to give some public expression to their feelings. 
Very soon the sad insignia of sorrow were displayed in 
profusion from the houses of the wealthy, and by all in 
proportion to their ability. The very poor in the out- 
skirts of the city were equally anxious with their more 
favored fellow citizens, to testify their sorrow for the 
untimely death of him whom all loved. From the doors 
of many such were displayed a piece of any black goods 
they could obtain, if it was but a narrow strip and a 
few inches in length. These demonstrations were made, 
with very few exceptions, without any distinction, what- 
ever, as to political preferences. 

The crime was so diabolical, and so firmly had Abra- 
ham Lincoln entrenched himself in the hearts of the 
people, that many, for the time being were involunta- 
rily disposed to question the wisdom and goodness of 
God in permitting the awful deed to be consummated. 
This was doubtless felt in many instances where it 
failed to find utterance in words ; but, in some cases, 
it was outspoken. A clergyman of Springfield had 



106 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

a niece residing in his family, who, as soon as she 
heard the news, ran to him, and, with tears streaming 
down her face, said, '' O, nncle, it does seem to me that 
I can never love God any more." With the more 
thoughtful, however, it created a feeling of inquiry as to 
why it was permitted, and with all such,as expressed by 
the mayor of Springfield to the City Council that morn- 
ing, the inquiry was, " Lord, what wilt Thou have us 
to do." 

A call was early issued by the INlayor, J. S. Vreden- 
burg, for a meeting of the City Council at ten o'clock. 
A notice was also circulated, that a meeting of the 
citizens would be held in the State House yard at twelve 
o'clock, noon. When the City Council assembled, it 
passed resolutions to unite with the citizens in their 
public demonstration, and after appointing a committee 
to draft resolutions expressive of their feelings, ad- 
journed until four o'clock p. m. 

The meeting at the State House was called to order 
at noon, and after organizing, several of those who 
had long been intimately acquainted with the fallen 
chieftain made interesting remarks, calling up many 
reminiscences of his past life. Hon. John T. Stuart, 
as chairman of a committee appointed for that purpose, 
reported a series of resolutions, which were adopted as 
expressive of the feelings of the meeting. I find space 
for a single one of those resolutions : 

Resolved, That inasmuch as this city has, for a loug time, been 
the home of the President, in Avhich lie lias graced with his kind- 
ness of heart and honesty of purpose, all the relations of life, it 
is appropriate that its "City of the Dead" should be the final 
resting place of all of him that is mortal, and to this end we 
respectfullj'' request the appointment of a committee on the part 
of the City Council^ to act in conjunction with the Governor of 
the State, with a view of bringing hither his remains for inter- 
ment. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 107 

The City Council assembled, pursuant to adjourn- 
ment, and adopted the resolution passed by the public 
assembly relative to the removal of the remains, and 
appointed the following committee,to proceed to Wash- 
ington City, for the purpose of co-operating with Gov- 
ernor Oglesby — who was there at the time of the 
assassination — in bringing the remains of President 
Lincoln to Springfield : Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Hon. 
Lyrnan Trumbull, Hon. John T. Stuart, Hon. Shelby 
M. Cullora, Ex-Governor Richard Yates, Gen. I. N. 
Haynie, Gen. John A. McClernand, Ex-Mayor J. S. 
Vredenburg and Mayor elect Thomas J. Dennis. Gov- 
ernor Oglesby was informed by telegraph of the action 
of the City Council. A series of resolutions, reported 
by Alderman Wohlgemuth, as chairman of the com- 
mittee appointed for that purpose, were adopted as ex- 
pressing the feelings of the members of the council. 
Within a week after the assassination, almost every 
society in Springfield, religious, political, benevolent 
and social, passed resolutions expressive of their sori'ow 
for the death of Abraham Lincoln, and horror at the 
crime of his assassination. 

On Sunday, the sixteenth, the people flocked to the 
churches, as though they were fleeing from some great 
calamity. Men who had not been seen in the house of 
God for months, were, on that day, among the earliest, 
and seemingly the most attentive and devotional wor- 
shippers. In some of the churches, the pulpits were 
draped in mourning, and the services partook of sol- 
emnities appropriate to a funeral occasion. 

We will once more look upon the scenes being en- 
acted at the capital of the nation. President Lincoln 
breathed his last at twenty-two minutes past seven 
o'clock, on the morning of April 15. At half past 
nine o'clock, the body was removed to the Executive 
Mansion, and on the afternoon of that day it was 
embalmed and otherwise prepared for sepulture, by 



108 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

being placed in a wooden coffin, upon which was a 
phite bearing the inscription : 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 

16TII PIIESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 

BOHN FEBRUAllY 12, 1809. 

DIED APRIL 15, 1865. 

The coffin Avas then placed on adais within a grand 
catafalque, in the East Room, surrounded by the sad 
emblems of woe and covered with the most rare and 
costly floral tributes of affiiction. 

On the same day, at eleven o'clock. Chief Justice 
Chase administered to the Vice President, Andrew 
Johnson, the oath of office as President of the United 
States. By this prompt action, the interregnum in the 
office of President was but a little more than three 
hours in duration. President Johnson immediately 
called a meeting of the Cabinet. At this meeting Wil- 
liam Hunter was appointed Acting Secretary of State, 
to serve during the disability of Secsretary Seward. 
On Monday morning the following proclamation was 
issued and telegraphed to all parts of the nation : 

" Tlie undersigned is directed to announce that the funeral cere- 
monies of the hxmented Chief Magistrate will take place at the 
Executive Mansion, in thiscit}^ at 13 o'clock noon, Wednesda}', the 
nineteenth inst. The various religious denominations throughout 
the country are invited to meet in their respective places of wor- 
ship at the time, forthe pui'iDose of solemnizing the occasion by 
appropriate ceremonies. 

W. HUNTER, 
Acting Secretary of State, 

Washington, April 17, 1805." 

On the same day, the following order was issued, 
preparatory to ob.serving funeral rites suitable to the 
occasion, at Washington : 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 109 

War Departmrnt, Adjutant Generat/s Office,) 
Washington, April 17, 1865. ) 

The following order of arrangements is directed : 
ORDER OF PROCESSION. 
Funeral Escort in Column of March. 
One Regiment of Cavalry. 
Two Batteries of Artillery. 

Battalion of Marines. 
Two Regiments of Infantry. 
Commander of Escort and Staff. 
Dismounted Officers of Marine Corps, Navy and Army, in the 
order named; Mounted Officers of MarineCorps, Navy and Army, 
in the order named; all Military Officers to be in Uniform, with 
Side-arms. 

CIVIC PROCESSION. 

The Surgeon General of the United States Army, and Physicians 

to the Deceased. 

Clergy in Attendance. 

pall BEARERS. PALL BEARERS. 

071 the part of tlie Senate. On tlie part of the House. 



Mr. Dawes, of ]\Iassachusetts. 
Mr. C(>ftVoth, of Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Smitli, of Kentueky. 
Mr. Colfax, of Indiana. 
Mr. Worthington, of Nevada. 
jNIr. Washburn, of Illinois. 



Mr Foster, of Connecticut. 
]\Ir. Morgan, of New York. 
Mr. .lohnson, of Maryland. 
Mr. Yates, of Illinois. 
Mr. Wade, of Ohio. 
Mr. Conness, of California. 

Army. Navy. 

Lieut. Gen. U. S. Grant. 1 Vice Admiral D. G. Farragut. 

Major General H. W. Halleck. Rear Admiral W. B. Slinbrick. 
Brev. Brig. Geu. W. A. Nichols. | Col. Jacob Zeilen, Marine Corps. 

Civilians. 

O. H. Browning. 1 Thomas Corwin, 

George Ashmuu. | Simon Cameron. 

Family. 

Relatives. 

The Delegations of States of Illinois and Kentucky, as Mourners. 

The President. 

The Cabinet Ministers. 

The Diplomatic Corps. 

Ex-Presidents. 

The Cliief Justice, 

And Associate Justices of the Supreme Court. 



no THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Tlic Senate of the United States, preceded by their Officers. 
Members of the House of Representatives of tlie United States. 
Governors of the several States and Territories. 
Legislatures of the several States and Territories. 
The Federal Jndiciarj-, 
And the Judiciarj^ of the several States and Territories. 
The Assistant Secretaries of State, Trea.sury, War, Navy, Interior, 
and the Assistant Postmaster General, and the 
Assistant Attorney General 
Officers of the Smitiisonian Institute. 
Members and Officers of the Sanitary and Christian Commissions. 
Corporate Authorities of Washington, Georgetown 
and other cities. 
Delegations of the several States. 
The Reverend the Clergy of the Various Denominations. 
Clerks and employees of the several Departments and Bureaus, 
Preceded by the heads of such Bureaus and their respective 
Chief Clerks. 
Such Societies as may wish to join the Procession. 
Citizens and Strangers. 
The troops designated to form the escort will assemble in the 
Avenue northof the President's house, and form line precisely at 11 
o'clock a. m., on Wednesda}'-, the nineteenth lust, with the left 
resting on Fifteenth street. The procession will move precisely at 
2 o'clock p. m. on the conclusion of the religious services at tlie 
Executive Mansion — apjioiuted to commence at 12 o'clock meri- 
dian — when minute guns will be fired by detachments of artillery, 
stationed at St. John's Cliurch, the City Hall, and at the Capitol. 
At the same hour, the bells of the several churches in Washing- 
ton, Georgetown and Alexandria will be tolled. 

At sunrise on Wednesday, the nineteenth inst. a federal salute will 
be fired from the Military Stations in the vicinity of Washington, 
minute guns between the hours of 12 and 3 o'clock, and a national 
salute at the setting of the sun. 

The usual badge of mourning will be worn on the left arm, and 
on the hilt of tlie sword. 
By order of the Secretary of War : 

W. A. NICHOLS, 
Assistant Adjutant General, 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. Ill 

The Governors of several of the loyal States, imme- 
diately after the capture of the rebel army under Gen- 
eral Lee, issued i)roclamations appointing days for 
thanksgiving in their respective States. These were 
all countermanded after the assassination of the Presi- 
dent, and the proclamation of the Acting Secretary of 
State adopted instead. That proclamation was incor- 
porated into and made the princijial part of the procla- 
mations by Governors of States and Mavors of cities 
throughout the United States, and also in the British 
Provinces of North America. The proclamations of 
some of the Mayors in the Dominion of Ganada were 
fully equal in their expressions of heartfelt sympathy 
and condolence with those from similar officers in the 
United States. 

In the absence of Governor Oglesby from the State, 
Lieutenant Governor William Bross issued a procla- 
mation to the peo])le of Illinois, recommending them 
to assemble in their several places of worship, at as 
early a day as possible, to " devoutly implore Almighty 
God to have mercy on us ; that He will restrain the 
wrath of man and cause the remainder of his wrath to 
praise Him." 

On the same day that Secretary Hunter issued his 
proclamation, Governor Oglesby adopted it, and adds : 

" Respouding to the spirit of the announcement, I call upon the 
people of the State of Illinois, the home of her martyred son, to 
meet in their various churches and places of public -sv.orship ou 
that day, to observe it in such manner as this painful occasion 
shall suggest at the solemn hour. 

Done at Springfield, April 17, 1865. 

R. J. OGLESBY." 

Hon. T. J. Dennis having been installed Mayor on 
the evening of the 17th, his tirst official act was to issue 
a proclamation in harmony with that of the Acting 



112 THE GEE AT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Secretary of State at Washington, and the one by Gov- 
ernor Oglesby, calling on the people of Springfield to 
assemble at their several places of worship at the time 
designated to engage in services appropriate to the oc- 



CHAPTER X. 



On AVednesday morning, April 19, 1865, the sun 
arose in splendor on the glittering domes of the nation's 
Capital. The East Room of the Executive Mansion, 
where a Harrison and a Taylor had lain in state, now 
contained all that was mortal of one who was immeas- 
urably greater than either of them, judging by the re- 
sult of his labors and the grateful esteem in which he 
was held by the people of the nation. The hour was 
approaching for the services to commence. None could 
be admitted without tickets, and there being only room 
for six hundred persons, that number of cards were is- 
sued, of which the following is an imitation : 



SOUTH. 



EXECUTIVE MAITSIOU, 

On WEDNESDAY, the 



Near 11 o'clock a body of about sixty clergymen 
entered the Mansion. Then came heads of Government 
Bureaus, Governors of States, members of municipal 



114 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

governments, prominent officers of tlie army and na\y, 
representatives of foreign governments, or what is 
usually termed the Diplomatic Corps. At noon, Presi- 
dent Johnson, in company with his cabinet, except 
Secretary Seward, of the State Department, approached 
the catafalque and took a last look at his illustrious 
predecessor. The religious services were opened by 
the Rev. Dr. Hall, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
and Rector of the Epiphany, who read portions of 
Scripture used in the impressive burial service of that 
church, and prayer by Bishop Simpson, of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. 

Rev. Dr. P. D. Gurley, of the New York Avenue 
Presbyterian Church, and pastor of the President and 
family, then delivered an impressive funeral sermon. 
I can only give a single quotation, but that will enable 
us to understand how President Lincoln labored with 
such untiring patience in the discharge of his official 
duties : 

" I speak what I know, and testify what I liave often heard him 
say, when I affirm that the Divine goodness and mercj" were the 
props on which he leaned. Never shall I forget tlie emphatic and 
deep emotion with which he said, in this very room, to a company 
of clergymen and others, who called to paj' him their respects, in 
the darkest days of our civil conflict : ' Gentlemen, mj'' hope of 
success in this struggle rests on that immutable foundation, the 
justness and goodness of God ; and when events arc very threat- 
ening, I still hope tliat, in some way, all will be well in the end, 
because our cause is just, and God will be on our side.' Such was 
his sublime and holy faith, and it was an anchor to his soul. It 
made him firm and strong; it emboldened him in the pathway of 
duty, however ragged and perilous it might be ; it made him val- 
iant for the right, for the cause of God and humanity, and it held 
him in steady patience to a policy of administration which he 
thought both God and humanity required him to adopt." 

Rev. Dr. E. H. Gray, Pastor of the E Street Baptist 
Church, who was at the time Chaplain of the United 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONU.MENT, 115 

States Senate, closed the services at the Executive 
Mansion by a fervent prayer. 

The coffin was then conveyed to the hearse, and at 
two o'clock the procession began to move. It took 
the line of Pennsylvania Avenue, and was one hour 
and a half in passing the Executive Mansion. The 
rooms, porticos and buildings at all elevated points in 
the city were occupied by spectators. As the ])roces- 
sion moved, all the bells of Washington, Georgetown 
and Alexandria tolled, and minute guns were tired at 
the three points named in the order of April 17th. 

First in order of procession was a detachment of 
colored troops, then followed white regiments of 
infantry, cavalry, batteries of artillery and the marine 
corps ; army officers on foot, the ])all bearers in car- 
riages, and then came the hearse, drawn by six white 
horses. The coffin was so elevated as to be seen from 
all points. The floor of the hearse was covered with 
evergreens and white Howers. Then followed Presi- 
dent Johnson and his cabinet, the Diplomatic corps, 
members of Congress, Governors of States, delegations 
from the various States — that from Illinois having the 
post of honor as chief mourners — then came clerks of 
departments, military organizations, fire companies and 
civic associations, public and private carriages, closing 
wath a large body of colored men and a great concourse 
of citizens and strangers. 

Arriving at the Capitol, the coffin was conveyed to 
the rotunda, where it was again placed on a magnificent 
catafalque. This was incomparably the largest and 
most imposing funeral procession ever seen in the 
Capital of the nation. 

The nineteenth of April was observed with religious 
services all over the loyal States and the reclaimed 
rebel States and parts of States, and in the British Prov- 
inces of North America. In addition to this, the people 
of hundreds and thousands of towns and cities in the 
Union turned out in solemn processions, bearing em- 



116 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

bleras, mottoes and other devices expressive of their 
love for the memory of Abraham Lincoln, and of their 
sorrow for his death. Many of these processions are 
mentioned in the newspapers of the day, as being com- 
posed of from five to twenty thousand persons. 

Aside from what was done in the city of AVashing- 
ton on that day, I shall only describe the public dem- 
onstrations at the old home of Mr. Lincoln, Springfield, 
Illinois. 

Springfield, on the nineteenth, presented the appear- 
ance of deep gloom and sadness. On the day of Mr. 
Lincoln's death all goods in the stores that could be used 
for draping the buildings in mourning were taken, and 
more ordered at once by the merchants. Such addi- 
tions were made that on this day the insignia of sorrow 
were profusely displayed on the State House, Governor's 
Mansion, Post Office, Arsenal, the military headquar- 
ters of Gen. John Cook, all the State and county offices, 
and nearly all the business houses and residences in the 
city. The feelings of the people prompted them almost 
universally to comply with proclamation of ISIayor 
•Dennis, and close their houses of business. Flags on 
the public buildings were draped with mourning and 
hung at half mast. Stillness, more profound than that 
of the Sabbath, reigned throughout the city. Before 
the hour appointed for assembling, the people began to 
wend their way to the churches. AVhen the time 
arrived for the services to commence — at noon — twenty 
minute-guns were fired, at the Arsenal. The churches 
were nearly all filled to overflowing, with sorrowing 
and attentive audiences. Tlic services partook partly 
of religious condolence and partly of panegyric and 
eulogium. Laymen, as well as ministers, took part in 
the exercises. 

In the First Presbyterian Church, of which Mrs. 
Lincoln was a member, and which the family attended 
while in Springfield, there were several brief but inter- 
esting addresses delivered. Eev. Dr. Bergen, a former 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 117 

pastor of the Church, and the Hon. John T. Stuart, 
the first law partner of Mr. Lincohi, were the principal 
speakers. The address by Mr. Stuart is spoken of as 
having been replete with interesting reminiscences of 
their long and intimate acquaintance, and, as a whole, 
was such a fitting eulogiuni on the life and character of 
the departed Chief Magistrate, as to do honor to the 
head and heart of the speaker. 

In the Second Presbyterian Church, there was a 
number of speeches also. The Rev. Albert Hale, 
Rev. Dr. Harkey and Hon. Lyman Trumbull, were 
the principal speakers. Mr. Trumbull spoke for nearly 
an hour, in the most eloquent and touching strain, of 
the virtues, magnanimity and integrity of Abraham 
Lincoln. His remarks elicted deep responses in every 
heart. His address is remembered by those who heard 
it as an elaborate, truthful and pathetic panegyric on 
the life, character and public services of Abraham 
Lincoln. 

In the First Baptist Church, an address was deliv- 
ered by the Hon. W. H. Herndon, who had been the 
law partner of Abraham Lincoln for more than twenty 
years. The partnership remained until the day of Mr. 
Lincoln's death. Mr. Herndon s])oke in feeling terms 
of the public and private life of his departed friend 
and co-laborer. Hon. J. C. Conkling, a long and inti- 
mate friend of Mr. Lincoln, at the same church, deliv- 
livered an equally interesting address, in which many 
reminiscences of the late Cheif Magistrate were called 
up. Judge Broad well- addressed the people at the same 
church, also. 

Appropriate services were held in the Third Presby- 
terian Church. 

At the First Methodist Church, the Rev. J. L. Crane, 
the pastor, delivered an able and interesting discourse 
on the life and public services of Abraham Lincoln. 

Services suitable to the occasion were held in the 
English Lutheran, North Baptist, German Catholic and 



lis THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

many other churches throughout the city. It was a 
dav of quiet, subdued and heartfelt mourning for the 
loss of one whom all could think of as a brother and 
friend, and at the same time as a Chief Magistrate of 
a great nation, unexcelled by any potentate of either 
ancient or modern times. 

Several days elapsed after the assassination before it 
was certainly known that his remains would be brought 
back to his old home for interment. 

The City Council of Springfield assembled, on the 
nineteenth of xVpril, and passed an ordinance appropri- 
ating twenty thousand dollars to be expended in defray- 
ing the expenses connected with the funeral of Abraham 
Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States. 
The ordinance was approved on the twentieth by Mayor 
Dennis. Artists were put to work to decorate the State 
House, both on the exterior and interior, with mourn- 
ing drapery. 

A public meeting of the citizens was called, on 
the twenty-fourth of the month, to make suitable 
arrangements for the reception of the body, then on 
its journey from the Capital of the nation to his 
former prairie home. This public assembly, in order 
to act more efficiently, appointed a committee of 
arrangements, composed of men who had all enjoyed a 
personal acquaintance with the now martyred Presi- 
dent. After taking the initial steps for the construc- 
tion of a temporary vault, to be ready by the time the 
funeral train should arrive, the committee resolved 
itself into a 

"national LINCOLN MONUMENT ASSOCIATION, 

for the purpose of receiving funds and disbursing 
the same, for obtaining grounds and erecting a monu- 
ment thereon, in Springfield, Illinois, to the memory 
of our lamented Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln." 
Hon. James H. Beveridge, then Treasurer of tlie State 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 119 

of Illinois, was named as the treasurer of the Associa- 
tion, and " the officers, soldiers and sailors in the array 
and navy, in camps, stations, forts and hospitals ; loyal 
leagues, lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows, religious 
ancl benevolent associations, churches of all denomina- 
tions, and the colored population," were requested to 
contribute for the purpose, the second week in May, or 
as soon thereafter as possible, and remit to the treas- 
urer named. National banks and postmasters were 
requested to act as agents. The proceedings were 
telegraphed to all parts of the country, and published 
in the papers. Two days after the association was 
organized, its Executive Committee published an ap"- 
peal to the nation that it would, " by one simultaneous 
movement, testify its regard for his exalted character ; 
its appreciation of his distinguished services, and its 
sorrow for his death, by erecting to his memory a 
monument that will forever prove that republics are 
not ungrateful." 

The Association at once contracted for a piece of 
land, containing five or six acres, near the central part 
of the city, upon whicli to erect the monument con- 
templated, and proceeded to construct a temporary 
vault — at the expense of the city — as a resting place 
for the remains of the President until the monument 
could be built. Men labored upon it night and day, 
in order to have it ready by the time the funeral cor- 
tege was expected to arrive. 



CHAPTER XI. 



"We will now return to the city of Washington. 
Before the departure of the funeral cortege, arrange- 
ments were all completed for transportation. The fol- 
lowing order was issued : 

War Dept, Washington City, April 18, 1865. 
His Excellency Governor Brougli, and John W. Gari'ett, Esq., 
are requested to act as a Committee of Arrangements of transpoi-- 
tation of the remains of the late President, Abraham Lincoln 
from Washington to their final resting place. They are author- 
ized to arrange the time tables with the respective railroad com- 
panics, and do and regulate all things for safe and appropriate 
transportation. They will cause notice of this appointment, and 
their acceptance, to be published for the public information. 
EDWIN M. STANTON, 
Secretary of ^Vur. 

Messrs. Brongh and Garrett promptly accepted their 
appointments, and entered upon the discharge of their 
duties. When they had prepared their report, the fol- 
lowing was issued as a special order : 

War Dep't, Washington City, April 18, 1SG5. 
Ordered : 

First, That the following report, and the arrangements therein 
specified, be approved and confirmed, and that the transportation 
of the remains of tlie late President, Abraham Lincoln, from 
Washington to liis former home, at Springfield, tlie Capital of Illi- 
nois, be conducted in accordance with the said report and the 
arrangements therein specified. 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 121 

Second, That for the purpose of said transportation, the rail- 
roads over wliich said transportation is made be declared military 
roads, subject to the orders of the War Department, and that the 
railroads and the locomotives, cars and engines engaged in trans- 
portation be subject to the military control of Brigadier General 
McCallum, superintendaut of military railroad transportation ; and 
all persons are required to conform to the rules, regulations, orders 
and directions he may give or prescribe for the transportation 
aforesaid ; and all persons disobeying the orders shall be deemed 
to have violated the military orders of the War Department, and 
shall be dealt with accordingly. 

Third, That no person shall be allowed to be transferred upon 
the cars constituting the funeral train save those who are specially 
authorized by the order of the War Department. The funeral 
train will not exceed nine cars, including baggage car, and the 
hearse car, which will proceed over the whole route from Wash- 
ington to Springfield, Illinois. 

Fourth, At the various points on the route, where the remains 
are to be taken from the hearse car by State or municipal authori- 
ties, to receive public honors, according to the aforesaid pro- 
gramme, the said authorities will make such arrangements as may 
be fitting and appropriate to the occasion, under the direction of 
the miltary commander of the division, department, or district, 
but the remains will continue always under the special charge of 
the oflicers and escort assigned by this Department. 

By order of the Secretary of War. 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 
Assistcuit Adjutant General, 

IlEPORT OF MESSRS. BROUGH AND GARRETT. 

Washington City, D. C, April 18, 1865. 
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

Sir — Under your commission of this date, we have the honor 
to report — 

1. A committee of the citizens of the State of Illinois, appoint- 
ed for the purpose of attending to the removal of the remains of 
the late President to their State, has furnished us with the follow- 
ing route for the remains and escort, being, with the exception of 



122 



THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



two points, the route traversed by Mr. Lincoln from Springfield 
to Washington : 

Washington to Baltimore, thence to Harrisburg, Philadelphia, 
New York, Albany, Bufialo, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, 
Chicago to Springfield. 

2. Over this route, under the counsels of the committee, we 
have prepared the following time card, in all cases for special 
trains : 

T I il E CARD. 

Leave Washington Friday morning, April 21, at 8 o'clock, and 
arrive at Baltimore at 10 o'clock a. m. 

Leave Baltimore at 3 o'clock p. m., and reach Harrisburg at8 :20 
p. m., same day. 

Leave Harrisburg at 12 o'clock noon, Saturday, 22, and arrive 
in Philadelphia at 5 :30 p. m. 

Leave Philadelphia at 4 a. m. Monday, 24, and arrive in New 
York at 10 a. m., the same day. 

Leave New York at 4 p. m. Tuesday, 25, and arrive in Albany 
at 11 p. m., same day. 

Leave Albany at 4 p. m, Wednesday, 26, and arrive at Bufialo 
at 7 a. m. Thursday, 27. 

Leave Bufi'alo at 10 :10 p. m., the same day, and arrive in Cleve- 
land at 7 a. m. on Friday, 28. 

Leave Cleveland at midnight, same day, and arrive in Columbus 
at 7 :30 a. m. Saturday, 29. 

Leave Columbus at 8 o'clock p. m. Saturday, 29, and arrive in 
Indianapolis at 7 a. m. Sunday, 30. 

Leave Indianapolis at 12 midnight, Sunday, and arrive in Chi- 
cago at 11 a. m. Monday, May 1. 

Leave Chicago at 9 :30 p. m. Tuesday, May 2, and arrive in 
Springfield at 8 o'clock a. m. Wednesday, i\Iay 3. 

The route from Columbus to Indianapolis is via the Columbus 
& Indianapolis Central raihvaj', and from Indianapolis to Chicago 
via Lafayette & Michigan City. 

3. As to the running of these special trains, which, in order to 
guard, as far as practicable, against accidents and detentions, we 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 123 

have reduced to a1)out twenty miles per hour, we suggest tlie fol- 
lowing regulations : 

1. That the time of the departure and arrival be observed as 
close]}'- as possible. 

2. That material detentions at way points be guarded against 
as much as practicable, so as not to increase the speed of trains. 

3. Tliat a pilot engine be kept ten minutes in advance of the 
train. 

4. Tliat the special train, in all cases, have the right of road, 
and that all other trains be kept out of its way. 

5. That the several railroad companies provide a sufficient 
number of coaches for the comfortable accommodation of the 
escort, and a special car for the remains ; and that all these, to- 
gether with the engines, be appropriately draped in mourning. 

6. That where tii« running time of any train extends beyond 
or commences at midnight, not less than two sleeping-cars be add- 
ed, and a greater number if the road can command them, sufficient 
for the accommodation of the escort. 

7. Tliat two officers of tlie United States Military Railway Ser- 
vice be detailed by you, and despatched at once over the route to 
confer with the several railway officers, and make all necessary 
preparations for carrying out these arrangements promptly and 
satisfactorily. 

8. That tliis programme and these regulations, if approved, be 
confirmed by an order of the War Department. 

Respectfullv submitted, 

JOHN BROUGH, { no„,,nitiee 
JOHN W. GARRETT, \ ^<>»"««f^«- 

The following with reference to the 
GUARD OF HONOR, 
Was next issued : 

) Wau Dep.\rtment, 

General Orders, 72. [■ Adjutant Gener.-vl's Office, 

) Washington, April 20, 1865. 

The following general officers and Guard of Honor will accom- 
pany the remains of the President from the city of Washington 
to the city of Springfield, the Capital of Illinois, and continue 
wntli them until they are consigned to their final resting place : 



124 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Brevet Brigadier General E. D. Townseud, Assistant Adjutant 
Gi'neral, to represent the Secretary of War. 

Brevet Brigadier General Charles Thouias, Assistant Quarter- 
master General. 

Brigadier General A. B. Eaton, Comniissarj' General of Sub- 
sister.ce. 

Brevet Major General J. G. Barnard, Lieutenant Colouel of 
Engineers. 

Brigadier General G. D. Ramsey, Ordnance Department. 

Brigadier General A. P. Howe, Cliief of Artillery. 

Brevet Brigadier General D. C. McCallum, Superintendent of 
Military Roads. 

Major General D. Hunter, U. S. Volunteers. 

Brigadier General J. C. Caldwell, U. S. Volunteers. 

Twenty-five picked men, under a Captain, 
By order of the Secretary of War : 
Official. E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

The following oflficers acted with the Guard of 
Honor, although I have been unable to find the order 
assigning them to that duty : 

Rear Admiral C. H. Davis, U. S. Navy. 

Captain W. R. Tavlor, U. S. Navv. 

Major T. H. Field", U. S. Marine Corps. 

Including them, the Guard of Honor consisted of 
twelve general officers. 

The picked men were all members of the Veteran 
Reserve corps, and were selected from the following 
regiments : 

Ninth — Captain J. ]\I. McCandev, J. R. Edwards, J. 
F. Nelson, L. E. Bulock, P. Cal'laghan, A. K. Mar- 
shall. 

Seventh — First Lieutenant J. R. Durkee, First Ser- 
geant C. Swinehart, S. Carpenter, A. C. Cromwell. 

Tenth — Second Lieutenant E. Murphy, W. T. Daly, 
J. Collins, W. H. Durgin, Frank Smith. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 125 

Twelfth — Second Lieutenant E. Hoppy, G. E. Good- 
rich, A. E. Carr, F. Carley, W. H. Xoblc. 

Fourteenth — J. Karr, J. P. Smith, J. Hanna, 

Eighteenth— F. D. Forehard, J. M. Sedgwick, R. W. 
Lewis. 

Twenty-fourth — J. P. Berry, W. H. Wiseman and 
J. M. Pardun. 

The three gentlemen whose names are annexed 
accompanied the escort, each acting in the capacity des- 
ignated below. 

Captain Charles Penrose, Quartermaster and Com- 
missary of Subsistence to the entire party. 

Dr. Charles R. Brown, Embalmer. 

Frank T. Sands, Undertaker. 

Congress was not in session at the time of the assas- 
sination, but a public meeting was called of all who 
were members of either house, or who were delegates 
in Congress from any of the territories, and happened 
then to be in AVashington. This explains why some 
of the States were not rej^resented on this committee. 
The following gentlemen were chosen from those 
who were present, and the body thus chosen was desig- 
nated the Congressional Committee : 

States. — Maine, Mr. Pike, New Hampshire, Mr Eol- 
lins ; Vermont, Mr. Foot and Mr. Baxter ; Connecti- 
cut, Mr. Dixon ; Massachusetts, Mr. Sumner and Mr. 
Hooper; Rhode Island, Mr. Anthony; New York, 
Mr. Harris ; Pennsylvania, Mr. Cowan ; Ohio, Mr. 
Schenck ; Kentucky, Mr. Smith ; Indiana, Mr. Julian ; 
Minnesota, Mr. Ramsey ; Michigan, Mr. Chandler and 
Mr. Ferry; Iowa, Mr. Harlan; Illinois, Messrs. Yates, 
Washburn, Farnsworth and Arnold, unless they pre- 
ferred being considered part of the Illinois delegation ; 
California, Mr. Shannon ; Oregon, Mr. Williams ; 
Kansas, Mr. Clarke ; West Virginia, Mr. Whaley ; 
Maryland, Mr. Phelps ; New Jersey, Mr. Newell ; 
Nevada, Mr. Nye; Nebraska, Mr. Hitchcock. 



126 THE GBEAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Territories. — Colorado, Mr. Bradford; Idaho, Mr. 
Wallace ; Dacotah, Mr. Weed. 

George N. Brown, Sergeant-at-Arms of the United 
States Senate. 

N. G. Ordway, Sergeant-at-Arms of the United 
States House of Representatives. Some of the above 
named gentlemen accompanied the remains, but many 
of them did not. 

NAMES OF THE ILLINOIS DELEGATION. 

Gov. R. J. Oglesby; Gen. Isham N. Haynie, Adju- 
tant General of Illinois . Col. J. H. Bowen, Col. W. 
H. Hanna, Col. D. B. James, Major S. Waite, Col. D. 
L. Phillips, U. S. Marshal for the Southern District of 
Illinois; Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Col. John Williams, 
Dr. S. H. Melvin, E. F. Leonard, Hon. S. M. Cul- 
lom, Hon. O. M. Hatch. 

GOVERNERS OF STATES ACCOMPANYING THE 
ESCORT: 

Governor Stone, of Iowa, and the Hon. Mr. Lough- 
ridge, of that State, accompanied the escort the entire 
journey, and rode in the car occupied by the Illinois 
Delegation. 

REPORTERS FOR THE PRESS : 

L. A. Gobright, of Washington City, and C. R. 
Morgan, for the Associated Press ; U. H. Painter, for 
the Philadelphia Inquirer; E. L. Crounse, for the New 
York Times; G. B. Woods, of the Boston Dedh/ Adver- 
tiser ; Dr. Adonis, of the Chicago Tribune; C. A. Page, 
New York Tribune. 

The hearse car was one that had been built in Alex- 
andria, Va., for the United States military railroads, 
and was intended for the use of President Lincoln and 
other officers of the Government when traveling over 
those roads. It contained a parlor, sitting room and 
sleeping apartment, all of which was htted up in the 
most approved modern style. The car intended for the 
familv of the President and the Congre&sional Commit- 
tee, belonged to the Philadelpliia, Wilmington tt Bal- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 127 

timore railroad company, ordinarily used by the Presi- 
dent and Directors of the company. It was divided 
into four compartments, thus : parlor, chamber, dining 
room and kitchen ; with water tanks and gasometer. 
The whole car was fitted up in the most elegant and 
costly manner. Both of these cars were richly draped 
in mourning. 

The remains of President Lincoln having been placed 
in the rotunda of the Capitol on the nineteenth of April, 
continued to lie there until the time appointed to start 
on the western journey. A continuous throng of visit- 
ors filed past the coffin the entire day of the twentieth. 
During that day more than twenty-five thousand persons 
looked upon the face of the illustrious deceased, many 
of them soldiers who left their beds, in the hospitals, 
to take one last look at their departed chieftain. 



CHAPTER XII 



At six o'clock on the morning of April 21, the 
members of the Cabinet, Lieutenant General Grant 
and his staif, several United States Senators, the Illinois 
delegation, and a considerable number of army officers, 
arrived at the Capitol and took their farewell view of 
the face of the departed statesman. After an impres- 
sive prayer by the Rev. Dr. Gurley, the coffin was borne, 
without music, to the hearse car, to which the body of 
his son Willie had previously been removed. Another 
prayer and the benediction followed. 

At eight o'clock, the Funeral Cortege of Abraham 
Lincoln moved slowly from the depot, for its long and 
circuitous journey to the western prairies. Several 
thousand soldiers were in line by the side of the rail- 
road, and presented arms as the train departed amid 
the tolling of bells and the uncovered heads of the 
immense assemblage. A scene connected with the de- 
parture was so impressive that it will never be forgot- 
ten while life endures, by those who witnessed it. A 
portion of the soldiers in line near the depot were two 
regiments of U. S. Colored Troops. They stood with 
arms reversed, heads bowed, all weeping like children 
at the loss of a father. Their grief was of such un- 
doubted sincerity as to affect the whole vast multitude. 
Dignified Governors of States, grave Senators, and scar-" 
worn army officers, who had passed through scenes of 
blood and carnage unmoved, lost their self control and 
were melted to tears in the presence of such unaffected 
sorrow. 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 129 

After leaving Washington tliere was no stoppage for 
public demonstrations until the train reached Balti- 
ni/Dre, at ten o'clock the same morning. The city, 
through which Abraham Lincoln, four years before, 
had hurried in the night, to escape assassination, 
now received his remains with every possible demon- 
stration of respect. The body was escorted by an 
immense procession to the rotunda of the Merchants' 
Exchange, where it was placed upon a gorgeous cata- 
falque and surrounded with flowers. Here it rested 
for several hours, receiving the silent homage of thou- 
sands Avho thronged the portals of the edifice to take 
a last look at the features of the illustrious patriot. 

Baltimore was then under the control of loyal men, 
who felt deeply grieved that a plot had been laid there 
for his destruction when on his way to assume the duties 
of his office ; and they suffered still greater niortilication 
that it was a native of their own city who had plunged 
the nation into mourning by the horrid crime of assas- 
sinating the President, The city added ten thousand 
dollars to the reward offered for the arrest of the assas- 
sin. Those who accompanied the escort the entire 
journey say that there was no other place where the 
manifestations of grief were apparently so sincere and 
iniaffected as in the city of Baltimore, although they 
admit it was hard to make a distinction when all were 
intent on using every exertion to do honor to the 
memory of the illustrious statesman. 

At three o'clock p. m. the train left the depot, and 
making a brief stoppage at York, Penn., a beautiful 
wreath of flowers was placed upon the coffin by the 
ladies of that city, while a dirge was performed by the 
band, amid the tolling of bells and the uncovered 
heads of the multitude. The cortege arrived at Har- 
risburg at twenty minutes past eight o'clock p. m. By 
a proclamation of Mayor lioumfort, all business houses 
and drinking saloons were closed during the stay of the 
funeral cortege in Harrisburg. Preparations had been 
9 



330 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

made for a grand military and civic demonstration, but 
a heavy shower of rain was pouring down when they 
reached the latter city. Col. Thomas S. Mather, of 
Springfield, Illinois, was on duty at Philadelphia, at 
the time President Lincoln was assassinated. He was 
ordered to proceed to Harrisburg and take command 
of the United States troops at that place, and make ar- 
rangements for giving the remains of the President a 
suitable reception. 

Col. Mather had fifteen hundred soldiers in line, who 
stood for more than an hour in the rain previous to the 
arrival of the cortege. The body Avas conveyed to the 
State Capitol and placed in the hall of the House of 
Representatives, amid emblems of sorrow, and sur- 
rounded by a ciix'le of white flowering almonds. Du- 
ring a part of that night, and until ten o'clock next 
day, the people in vast numbers passed through the Hall 
to look at the silent features of the martyred President. 
Under orders from Col. Mather, a military and civic 
procession commenced forming at eight o'clock Satur- 
day morning. Col. Henry McCormic was chief mar- 
shal of the civic department. The remains were es- 
corted through the principal streets to the depot. In 
order to have as much daylight as possible for the pro- 
cession at Philadelphia, the train moved away from the 
Harrisburg depot at eleven o'clock — one hour before 
schedule time. Crowds of people were at the depots 
of Middletown, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, Landisville 
and Dillerville. In many places insignia of sorrow 
were displayed, and all seemed anxious to obtain a 
passing view of the mournful cortege. 

At Lancaster twenty thousand ])eople awaited the 
arrival of the train, to make their silent demonstrations 
of mourning. The depot was artistically decorated 
with flags and crape. The only words expressive of 
the feelings of the people were displayed at the side of 
the depot as a motto : 

"Abraham Lincoln, the Illustrious Martyr of Liberty ; the uatiou 
mourus his loss; though deail, he still lives." 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 1-31 

Every place of business was closed, and insignia of 
mourning were upon every house. At the outskirts 
of the town the large force of the Lancaster Iron A\'oi-ks 
lined the road, their buildings all draped in mourning. 
It was affecting to see old men who had been carried 
in their chairs and seated beside the track, and women 
with infants in their arms, assembled to look at the 
passing cortege. 

This city was the home of ex-President Buchanan 
and of the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens. Mr. Buchanan 
was in his carriage on the outskirts of the multitude. 
In approaching the town there is a bridge or tunnel 
through which the train passed. lender this bridge, 
standing upon a rock, entirely alone, Mr. Stevens was 
recognized by personal friends on the train. An eye 
witness, who related the circumstance to me, says that 
he seemed absorbed in silent meditation, unconscious 
that he was observed. When the hearse car approached 
he reverently uncovered liis head, and replaced his hat 
as the train moved away. 

Crowds of people were assembled at Penningtonville, 
Parkesburg, Coatesville, Gallaghervillc, Downington 
and Oakland. At each place flags draped in mourning 
and uncovered heads were the sole expressions of feel- 
ing. At West Chester intersection, about a thousand 
persons were assembled at the stations. As the train 
approached the city of Philadelphia, unbroken columns 
of people lined the railroad on each side for miles. 
]Minute guns heralded the news as the train passed on 
to the depot of the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Balti- 
more railroad, on Broad street. Here the people were 
not counted by thousands, but by acres. The train 
reached the depot at half past four p. m,, being one 
hour in advance of schedule dme. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



It was estimated that half a million people were on 
the streets. A procession, for which preparation had 
been making for several days, was already formed ; men 
standing in marching order, from fonr to twelve abreast. 
A magnificent funeral car was in readiness, which had 
been specially constructed for the occasion. The corpse 
was transferred to this car, the coffin enveloped in 
the American flag, and surrounded with flowers. 
The grand procession, composed of eleven divisions, 
and inclnding every organization in the city, both 
military and civic, was seven miles in length. It 
moved through the wide and beautiful streets of the 
city to the sound of solemn music, by a great number 
of bands. The insignia of sorrow seemed to be on 
every house. The poor testified their grief by dis- 
playing such emblems as their limited means could 
command, and the rich, more profuse, not because 
their sorrow was greater, but because their wealth 
enabled them to manifest it on a larger scale. It was 
eight o'clock when the funeral car arrived at the 
southern entrance to Independence Square, on Wal- 
nut street. The Union League Association was sta- 
tioned in the square, and when the procession arrived 
at the entrance, the Association took charge of the 
sacred dust, and conveyed it into Independence Hall, 
marching with uncovered heads to the sound of a 
dirge performed by a band — stationed in the observa- 
tory over the Hall — the booming of cannon in the 
distance, and the tolling of bells throughout the city. 
The body was laid on a 2>latform in the centre of the 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 133 

Hall, with feet to the north, bringing the head very 
close to the pedestal on which the old Independence 
bell stands. 

That old bell, with its famous inscription, rang out 
on the Fourth of July, 1776, " Proclaim liberty 
throughout all the land, to all the inhabitants there- 
of" Leviticus, xxv, 10. As if in sorrow and shame 
for the degeneracy of mankind, when the curse of sla- 
very crept into and controlled every department of our 
government, the old bell became paralyzed and bro- 
ken. The descendants of its early friends gave it 
sepulture in this Hall, where the mighty deeds were 
enacted which it proclaimed to the world with such 
grand peals. These early notes, wafted on the free 
air of heaven, were heard by one of lowly birth, in 
his western home. As he pondered over them, they 
sank deep in his heart, and his whole soul answered 
to their vibrating toucli, as he perused the historic 
pages of the war for American Independence. The 
years rolled on, and in his obscurity and poverty, 
iie struggled for light and knowledge, with the love 
of human freedom for his guiding star. He then 
learned that our fathei-s indeed won their independ- 
ence of a foreign foe, but left a fetter in the land 
for their children to break. At length he began to 
dispense light to his fellow men. At first, it was 
done with such modesty and gentleness that it could 
be appropriately likened to the moon ; but as national 
events followed each other in quick succession, the 
wisdom of his words and the fervor of his patriot- 
ism were more like the shining of the noon-day sun, 
and were so apparent as to be known and read of 
all men. He was called to become the head of the 
nation, when the spirit fostered by slavery was threat- 
ening its destruction. He takes what proved to be a 
last look at the familiar scenes of his manhood ; in 
feeling language he asks his old friends and neighbors 
to pray for him, and then sadly bids them an afiection- 



134 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

ate farewell. In the course of his journey, he stood 
in this very Hall. While here, in a brief address, he 
said : 

"It ■was sorai'tliing in the Declaration of Independence, 
giving libert}', not only to the people of this country, but hope 
to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise 
that, in due time, the weights should be lifted from the shoulders 
of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. * * * 
Now, my friends, can the country be saved upon that basis? If 
it can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the 
world, if I can help to save it. But, if this country can not be 
saved without giving tip that principle, I ioas about to say, I would 
rather be assassinated upon this spot than to surrender it." 

He passes on, assumes the reins of government as 
the constitutionally elected president of the United 
States. A long and bloody war ensues. On the one 
side, the object was to destroy the government, because 
slavery could no longer rule it ; on the other, it was to 
save the government. In the course of the war, he 
proclaimed freedom to the slave, and otherwise admin- 
istered the government so wisely, that when the time 
arrived for choosing a man to fill his place, he was 
almost unanimously elected as his own successor. As 
soon as he entered upon the second term, the rebellion 
was so nearly crushed that he commenced the work of 
restoration where that of destruction began ; by order- 
ing the national colors to be replaced at the identical 
spot where they floated when first assailed by parricidal 
hands. His happiness seemed almost complete. The 
authority of government was restored and all men free. 
But the slave powei', in its death throes, slew him by 
the hand of an assassin, and his body is now again in 
this Hall, to make its report. 

Let us imagine the inanimate clay, and the old bell 
both endowed with life. AVe hear the dead President say: 
'* It was from you, Old Bell, as from the tongue of the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 135 

Almighty, that I received the command to ' Proclaim 
liberty throughout all the land, to all the inhabitants 
thereof.' I have obeyed your orders, but see, I too 
am broken, like thyself; these acts have cost me my 
life's blood, but what need we care, our race is run. 
Is it not enough that four millions of bondmen are 
free, and the only free government on earth saved, to 
be an asylum for the down-trodden of all lands? I 
am content." 

Then we hear the old bell say : " Well done, thou 
good and ftiithful servant ; thou hast been faithful unto 
the end. Henceforth thou shalt wear a crown, even 
the martyr's crown." 

It was eminently proper that the remains of Abra- 
ham Lincoln should rest over the holy Sabbath in what 
may, without irreverence, be termed the sanctuary of 
the Republic. The interior of Independence Hall has 
been decorated on many occasions, but never before 
had such skill and taste been displayed as on this occa- 
sion. The scene was a combination of enchantment 
and gloom of unexampled brilliancy and splendor. 
Evergreens and flowers of rare fragrance and beauty 
were placed around the coffin. At the head were bo- 
quets, and at the feet burning tapers. The walls were 
hung with the portraits of many great and good patri- 
ots, soldiers and civilians, who have long since passed 
away. Among these, in a conspicuous place, was seen 
the benignant countenance of William Penn, who was 
the embodiment of peace, and yet he was not a more 
ardent lover of peace than Abraham Lincoln, who died 
the commander-in-chief of more than a million of sol- 
diers. 

In the procession and on the houses along the line of 
march, there were many mottoes displayed, some of them 
touchingly beautiful in their expressions of love and 
sorrow tor the departed statesman. The walls of Inde- 
pendence Hall were adorned with them also. I can only 



136 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

give space for some that were on wreaths of flowers 
about the coffin. A cross near its head, composed en- 
tirely of flowers artistically intertwined, bore the in- 
scription : 

'^ To the memory of our beloved President, from a 
few ladies of the United States Sanitary Commission." 

A beautiful wreath, presented on Saturday evening, 
bore the modest words : 

" A lady's gift. Can you find a place ?" 

An old colored woman managed to find her way into 
the Hall, and ap^Droached the Committee of Arrange- 
ments with a rudely constructed wreath in her hand, 
and with tears in her eyes requested that it might be 
placed on the coffin. When her request was granted, 
her countenance beamed with an expression of satis- 
faction. The wreath bore the inscription : 

" The nation mourns his loss. He still lives in the 
hearts of the people." 

One of the wreaths that lay near the head of the cof- 
fin contained a card with a quotation from one of Mr. 
Lincoln's conversations with his cabinet officers, the 
day before his death. It was in these words: 

"Before any great national event, I have always had 
the same dream. I had it the other night. It is of 
a ship sailing rapidly.'^ * 

Arrangements Avere first made to admit those who 
desired to view the remains, by means of printed cards, 
which read : 

OBSEQUIES OF ABRAILUI LINCOLN, 

late president of tiie united states, 

Philadelphia, April 22, 1865, 

AT THE 

HALL OF independence, 

FROM 10 TO 12 o'clock, P. M. 

Entrance at the Court House, on Sixth street, below Cliesnut. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 137 

AVithin the hours desianated, a constant stream of 
men and women poured through the Hall, which was 
closed at midnight. By three o'clock Sunday morning, 
a large crowd of persons, of both sexes, were congre- 
gated on Chesnut street, between Fifth and Sixth, 
who patiently waited until six o'clock — the time for 
again opening the Hall to visitors. When it was opened, 
the people were formed in lines extending from Inde- 
pendence Hall to the Delaware river, on the east, and 
to the Schuylkill on the west. Thousands spent from 
three to four hours in the lines before reaching the 
Hall. Throughout the entire day and night, men 
and women, of all classes, continued to move in solid 
phalanx past the remains of the fallen chieftain. 
The crowd was so great at times that the people were 
almost suffocated. On the afternoon of Sunday, many 
women fainted in the crowd. During the day, about 
one hundred and fifty soldiers were taken in ambu- 
lances from the different hospitals in and around the 
city ; and at a late hour, seventy-five veterans, who had 
each lost a leg in their country's service, hobbled into 
the Hall, there, amid the sacred surroundings, to take 
a last look at the face of him whose heart had always 
beaten in unison with their own. 

Appropriate funeral sermons and orations were de- 
livered in many of the churches of the city during the 
day. Among them may be mentioned the Rev. Dr. 
March, of tlie Clinton Street Presbyterian Church ; 
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey, in the Fourth Baptist Church ; Rev. 
H. A. Smith, in the Mantua l^resbyterian Church ; 
Rev. F. L. Robbins, of the Green Hill Church ; Rev. 
N. Cyr, at the French Protestant Chapel, and Rev. J. 
Hyatt Smith, at Mechanics' Hall. 

Both nights in Philadelphia, Independence Hall was 
brilliantly illuminated, as also the Ledger, Transcript 
and other news]iaper offices, and many other public 
and private buildings. The funeral escort were the 
guests of the city, and were quartered at the Conti- 



138 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

nental Hotel. While here, the hearse car was addi- 
tionally decorated, the materials being furnished and 
the work done by the citizens, who regarded it a privi- 
lege to add this testimony of their respect to the mem- 
ory of Abraham Lincoln. 

At two o'clock a. m., Monday, April 24, the coffin 
was closed and preparations made for the departure. 
At four o'clock, the funeral train moved out of 
the Kensington depot. After leaving Philadelphia, 
the track was lined on both sides with a continuous 
array of people. At Bristol and ISIorristown, large 
crowds stood in silence, Avith uncovered heads. From 
the time of leaving Washington, at many points where 
no stoppage was expected, entire neighborhoods, old 
and young, men and women, the latter frequently with 
children in their arms, turned out by the roadside by 
night and by day, and anxiously watched the gorgeous 
funeral train as it passed. Flags at half mast, mourn- 
ing inscriptions and funeral arches, testified the sorrow 
that was in e\ery heart. Clusters of people were col- 
lected at various points between stations. The men 
reverently uncovered their heads as the funeral train 
glided by. 

The train reached Trenton at half past five in the 
morning, and was greeted by the tolling of bells, firing 
of minute guns and strains of solemn music. Crowds 
of people were assembled, the number estimated at 
twenty thousand, and the array of mourning inscrip- 
tions and other evidences of sorrow were abundant. 
This is the only State capital passed by the funeral 
cortege on the entire journey, at which they failed to 
stop for the people to engage in public demonstrations 
of respect. Its location between the two great cities, 
and so near them, is, no doubt, the cause of its being 
made an exception. Governor Parker and staff, with 
many citizens were taken on board here, and accom- 
panied the remains to New York. At Princeton, a 
large number of college students were standing with 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 139 

reverent bearing and in silence. At XeAv Brunswick, 
the train stopped for a few moments, to find an immense 
crowd at the depot. INIinute guns were fired from 
the time it came in sight until it passed from their 
view. Large numbers were assembled at Eahway and 
Elizabeth City, also. 

At Newark, every house seemed to be dressed in 
mourning. It appeared as if the inhabitants had 
turned out en masse to pay their respects to the memory 
of Abraham Lincoln. Many of the women were 
shedding tears, and the men stood with uncovered 
heads. For more then a mile, those on the train could 
only perceive one sea of human beings. The LTnited 
States Hospital was appropriately decorated, and many 
of the soldiers on crutches were formed in line near it. 
Minute guns fired and bells tolled from the time the 
cortege arrived until it passed out of sight. 

At Jersey City the scene was still more impressive. 
The depot was elaborately draped in mourning, bells 
tolled and cannon boomed, bringing back sad echoes 
as the train moved into the depot. The crowd was 
not admitted into the vast edifice. "When those on 
board the train disembarked and the coffin was borne 
along the platform, the funeral party were startled by 
a vast choir, composed of German musical associa- 
tions, which had been stationed in a gallery of the 
building. As they chanted an anthem or requiem for 
the dead, many who were unused to weeping were 
affected to tears. As the remains were conveyed from 
the depot to the boat, the choir chanted a solemn 
dirge and continued it until the ferry boat reached the 
opposite side of the Hudson river. The shipping of all 
nations in the harbor displayed their flags at half-mast. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



The ferry boat landed at the foot of Desbrosses 
street, New York city, at ten o'clock a. m., April 24, and 
the coffin was at once conveyed to a magnificent hearse 
or funeral car, prepared especially for the occasion. The 
platform of this car was fourteen feet long and eight 
feet wide. On the platform, which was five feet from 
the ground, there was a dais, on which the cofHn rested. 
This gave it sufficient elevation to be readily seen by 
tiiosc at a distance, over the heads of the multitude. 
Above the dais there was a canopy fifteen feet high, 
supported by columns, and in part by a miniature tem- 
ple of liberty. The platform was covered with black 
cloth, which fell at the sides nearly to the ground. It 
was edged with silver bullion fringe, which hung in 
graceful festoons. Black cloth hung from the sides, 
festooned with silver stars, and was also edged with 
silver fringe. The canopy was trimmed in like man- 
ner, with black cloth, festooned and spangled with 
silver bullion, the corners surmounted by rich plumes 
of black and white feathers. At the base of each col- 
umn were three American flags, slightly inclined out- 
ward, festooned and covered with crape. 

The temple of liberty was represented as being 
deserted, or rather despoiled, having no emblems of 
any kind, in or around it, except a small flag on the 
top, at half-mast. The inside of the car was lined 
with white satin, fluted. From the centre of the can- 
opy, a large eagle was suspended, with outspread wings, 
and lu)lding in its talons a laurel wreath. The plat- 
form around the coffin was strewn with flowers. The 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT, 141 

hearse or funeral car was drawn by sixteen white horses, 
covered with black cloth trimming, each led by a 
groom. 

From the foot of Desbrosses street, the remains were 
escorted by the Seventh regiment New York National 
Guards, to Hudson street, thence to Canal street, uj) 
Canal street to Broadwav, and down Broadway to the 
west gate of the City Hall l^irk. 

The procession which followed the remains was in 
keeping with the funeral car, the whole being inde- 
scribably grand and imposing. As far as the eye could 
see, a dense mass of people, many of them wearing 
some insignia of mourning, filled the streets and 
crowded every window. The fronts of the houses 
were draped in mourning, and the national ensign dis- 
played at half-mast from the top of almost every build- 
ing. The procession was simply a dense mass of hu- 
man beings. During the time it was moving, minute 
guns were fired at difierent points, and bells were tolled 
from nearly all the church steeples in the city. The 
chime on Trinity church wailed forth the tune of Old 
Hundred in a most solemn and impressive manner. 

On arriving at the City Hall, the coffin was borne 
into the rotunda, amid the solemn chanting of eight 
hundred voices, and was placed on a magnificent cata- 
falque, which had been prepared for its reception. The 
Hall was richly and tastefully decorated Avith the na- 
tional colors and mourning drapery, and the coffin 
almost buried with rare and costly floral offerings. A 
large military guard, in addition to the Guard of 
Honor, kept watch over the sacred dust. All day and 
all night long, the living tide pressed into the Hall, to 
take a last look at the martyred remains. At the sol- 
emn hour of midnight, between the twenty-fourth and 
the twenty-fifth days of April, the German musical so- 
cieties of New York, numbering al)out one thousand 
voices, performed a requiem in the rotunda of tiie City 
Hall, wuth the most thrilling efiect. About ten o'clock, 



142 THE GEEAT FUNERAL COETEGE, 

on the morning of April 25, while a galaxy of distin- 
guished officers were assembled around the coffin, Cap- 
tain Parker Snow, commander of the Arctic and Ant- 
arctic expedition, presented some very singular relics. 
They consisted of a leaf from the book of Common 
Prayer and a piece of paper, on which were glued 
some fringes. They were found in a boat, under the 
skull of a skeleton which had been identified as the 
remains of one of Sir John Franklin's men. The 
most singular thing about these relics was the fact that 
the onlv words that were preserved in a legible condi- 
tion were " The ^Iartyr," in capitals. General Dix 
deposited these relics in the coffin. At a few minutes 
past eleven o'clock, the coffin was closed, preparatory 
to resuming its westward journey. Notwithstanding 
such vast numbers had viewed the cor])se, there were 
thousands who had waited for hours, in the long lines, 
to obtain a look at the well known face, who were 
obliged to turn away sadly disappointed. This disap- 
pointment was not confined to any class or condition 
of men. The coffin had just been closed, in the pres- 
ence of the Sergeants of the Veteran Reserve Corps — 
who were in readiness to convey it to the hearse — and 
a number of distinguished army officers, whose com- 
missions had been signed by the deceased ; when the 
first to realize the disappointment were the representa- 
tives of Great Britain, Russia and France. Thev came 
in, glittering with scarlet, gold and silver lace, high 
coat collars, bearing embroidered cocked hats under 
their arms, with other costly trappings, and high birth 
and breeding in every gesture, desirous of seeing the 
corpse, but they Avere too late. 

At about half past twelve o'clock, the magnificent 
hearse or funeral car, drawn by sixteen white horses, 
each led by a groom, as on the day before, appeared 
on Broadway, at the west gate of City Hall Park. 
The coffin was next conveyed to the car. Then com- 
menced the farewell part of the funeral pageant given 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 143 

by the commercial metropolis of the nation to the 
memory of Abraham Lincoln. A military force of 
more than fifteen thonsand men, with the staifs of sev- 
eral brigades and divisions, with their batteries, and 
the civic societies of every conceivable kind, in a great 
citv, which joined in the demonstration, formed a 
doul)le line abont five miles long — equal to a single 
column often miles. In many parts of the procession, 
twenty men walked abreast. It was composed of eight 
grand divisions, each division having a marshal, with 
aids. It moved through the streets to the tolling of 
bells, the firing of minute guns and the music of a 
large number of bands. The animosities and division 
Avails of parties, in politics, and sects and denomina- 
tions, in religion, if not obliterated, were so far low- 
ered, for the time being, that all parties could shake 
hands over them. Archbishop INIcClosky, the highest 
dignitary in the Roman Catholic church, in this 
country, walked side by side, in the procession, with 
Rev. Joseph P. Thompson, D. D., one of the most 
radical of the Congregational reformers of our land, 

I have said that all party lines were, for the time, 
hidden from view, but it devolves upon me to notice 
one exception. Notwithstanding the blending of so 
many hearts in the great national sorrow, the city 
authorities of New York, true to their Tammany in- 
stincts, took measures to prevent the colored people 
from joining in the procession. They had deferred a 
procession of their own, on the Wednesday before, in 
order that five thousand of their number might be 
ready to show their love and respect for the emanci- 
pator of their race, by joining the procession to escort 
his remains on their way to the tomb. When it was 
known that the city authorities were trying to keep 
them out of the procession. Secretary Stanton inter- 
fered, and the order was set aside, but it was too late 
to give them such assurance of protection as to bring 
out their full numbers. 



144 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

It is due to Thomas C. Acton, President of the Board 
of Police Commissioners, that the colored people were 
not entirely excluded. It was he, who, but a few 
months, before, enforced the right of the colored 
people to ride in the street cars. Of the five thou- 
sand who intended to turn out, only between two and 
three hundred could be induced to risk the doubt 
and uncertainty occasioned by the action of the city 
authorities. These colored people were placed as 
an appendage to the eighth division, and to be sure 
that their rights wore respected, Commissioner Acton 
sent a body of fifty-six policemen, under Sergeant 
Gay, who marched before and behind them in such 
a way as to be ready in a moment to quell any at- 
tempt at violence. A banner, prepared by the ladies 
of Henry Ward Beecher's Church, was inscribed on 
one side, 

" Abralicam Lincoln, our Emancipator," 

and on the other, 

" To Millions of Bondmen, lie Liberty Gave." 

The banner was carried by four freedmen, just from 
the south, who were astonished to learn that there 
were so many more Yankees than colored people. 
Mourning emblems were displayed in such profusion 
as to be almost a wilderness of sable drapery, and the 
mottoes and inscriptions on the houses along the line 
of march, and those carried in the procession, would, 
if collected, make a volume of themselves. Space can 
be given for only a small number of them here. 

" The workman dies, but the work goes on." 



"Your cause of sorrow must not be measured by his worth ; for 
then there would be no end." 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN JIONUMENT. 145 

" His deeds have made his name immortal." 



Let others hail the rising snn, 
We bow to him whose race is run. 



A glorious career of service and devotion, is crowned with a 
martyr's death." 



Well done thou good and faithful servant.' 



" Can barbarism further go?" 

The New York Caledonian Club, composed of na- 
tive Scotchmen, carried a banner inscribed : 

"Caledonia mourns Columbia's martj-red chief." 

A miniature monument, near University Place, bore 
the name, 

LINCOLN. 

The panels on the sides of the pedestals had the fol- 
lowing inscriptions : 

FIRST. 

" Good night, sweet prince, 
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." 

SECOND. 

"With malice towards none; with charity for all." 

THIRD. 

" There's a great spirit gone." 

FOURTH. 

" His life was gentle, and the elements 
So mixed in Iiim, that nature might stand up 
And say to all the world — 

This was a man." 
10 



146 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

" The heart of the uation throbs heavily at the portals of the 
tomb." 



" Our country weeps." — " In God we trust." 



" Behold how they loved him." 
" The Almighty has His own purposes." 



"To heaven thou art fled, and left the nation in tears." 



His death has made him immortal.' 



" Oh why should the spirit of mortal be proud? 
Like a swift fleeting meteor, a fast-flying cloud, 
A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave, 
He passeth from life to his rest in the grave." 

The above is the first verse of a hymn which was a 
great favorite with Mr. Lincohi. He committed it to 
memory in his younger days, 'and to repeat its verses 
was ever after a source of mournful pleasure to him. 
He never knew the authorship of it, but it was written 
by Alexander Knox, of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the 
year 1778. The following are the third, fifth, eleventh 
and twelfth verses : 

" The infant, a mother attended and loved ; 
The mother, that infixiit's affection who proved; 
The husband, tliat mother and infant who blessed, 
Each, all, are away to their dwelling of rest. 

"The peasant, whose lot was to sow and to reap; 
The herdsman, Avho climbed with his goats up the steep; 
The beggar, wlio wandered in search of his bread, 
Have faded awa}^ like the grass that we tread. 



AND THP: national LINCOLN MONUMENT. 147 

"Yea! hope and cTespondeuc3% pleasure and pain, 
"We mingle together in sunshine and rain; 
And the smile and the tear, the song and the dirge, 
Still follow each other, like surge upon surge. 

"'Tis the wink of an ej^e, 'tis the draught of a hreatli, 
From tlie blossom of liealth to the paleness of death — 
From the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud ; 
O, why should the spirit of mortal be proud ?" 

While the procession was escorting the remains to 
the depot of the Hudson River Eailroad, on Thirtieth 
street, a vast concourse of people assembled in Union 
Square. A meeting was opened, with Ex-Governor 
King as presiding ofiicer. He introduced the Rev. Dr. 
Stephen H. Tvng, who repeated the beautiful words of 
the Episcopal burial service, and then offered a fervent 
prayer, appropriate to the occasion. Hon. George Ban- 
croft was next introduced, who delivered a funeral ora- 
tion. The following synopsis will give a faint idea of 
its eloquence and power : 

" Our grief at the crime which clothed the continent in mourn- 
ing, finds no adequate expression in words, no relief in tears. 
Neither the office with which Mr. Lincoln was invested by the 
approved choice of a mighty people, nor the most simple-hearted 
kindness of his nature, could save him from the fiendish passions 
of the relentless rebellion. Waiting millions attend his remains 
as the}"^ are borne in solemn procession over our great rivers, 
beyond mountains, across prairies, to their final resting place in 
the valley of the Mississippi. The echos of his funeral knell will 
vibrate throvigh tlie world, and friends of freedom, of every tongue 
and in every clime, are his mourners. 

" Members of the Government which preceded his administra- 
tion, opened the gates of treason, and he closed them. When he 
went to Washington, the ground on which he trod shook under 
his feet, and he left the Republic on a solid foundation. Traitors 
had seized the public forts and arsenals, and he recovered them 



148 THE GREAT FUXEEAL, COETEGE, 

to the United States. The capital which lie fnuid the abode 
of slaves, is now only the abode of freemen. The boundless 
public domain, which was grasped at, and in a great measure 
held for the diflFusion of slavery, is now irrevocably devoted to 
freedom. These men talked the jargon of the balance of power, 
in a Republic, between slave States and free States, and now their 
foolish words are blown away forever by the breath of a ^Mary- 
land, Missouri and Tennessee — the only States that adopted vol- 
untary emancipation. The atmosphere is now purer than ever 
before, and insurrection is vanishing away. The countrj^ is cast 
into another mould, and the gigantic system of wrong, which has 
been the work of two centuries, is dashed down we hope forever. 

" As for himself, personally, lie was then scoffed at by the proud, 
as unfit for his station, and now, against the usage of latter years, 
and in spite of numerous competitors, he was the unbiased and 
undoubted choice of the American people for the second term of 
service. Through all the business of suppressing treason, he re- 
tained the sweetest and most perfect disposition. The destruction 
of the best, on the battle field, and the more terrible destruction 
of our men in captivity, by the slow torture of exposure and 
starvation, had never been able to provolce him into harboring 
one revengeful feeling, or one purpose of cruelty. How shall the 
nation most completely show its sorrow at Mr. Lincoln's death? 
How shall it best honor his memory? There can be but one an- 
swer. Grief must, like the character of action, breathe forth, in 
assertion of the policy to which he fell a sacrifice. The standard 
which he held in liis hand, must be uplifted again, higher than 
before, and must be carried above everything else. This emanci- 
pation must be affirmed and maintained. 

"For the Union, Abraham Lincoln has fallen a martyr. His 
death, which was meant to sever it beyond repair, binds it more 
firmly than ever. From Maine to the Southwestern boundary of 
the Pacific, it makes us one. The country may have needed this 
imperishable grief, to touch its inmost feelings. The grave that 
receives the remains of President Lincoln, receives a martyr to 
the Union, and the monument which rises over his body will bear 
witness to the Union. His enduring memory will assist, during 
countless ages, to bind the States together, and to incite a love for 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 149 

our iiKlivisil)le country. Peace to the departed friend of his 
country and liis race. Happy was liis life, for he was a restorer 
of the Kepublic, and he was happy iu his death, for the manner 
of his end will plead forever for the Union of the States 'and 
the freedom of man.' " 

The last inaugural address of President Lincoln was 
then read by Rev. Joseph P. Thompson, D.D., followed 
by the reading of the ninety-fourth Psalm, by Rev. 
AV. H. Boole, which was exceedingly appropriate to 
the occasion. It was addressed by King David to the 
enemies of his country, and can not be read too often. 
Prayer was then offered by Rev. Dr. Rogers. It was 
both concise and comprehensive, enumerating in its 
petitions all the wants of the people and nation. Rabbi 
Isaacs, of the Jewish Synagogue, on Broadway, then 
read a portion of Scripture and offered a fervent and 
touching prayer, from which I give a single quotation : 

"Thy servant, Abraham Lincoln, has, without warning, been 
summoned before Thj^ august presence. He has served the people 
of his afflicted land faithfully, zealously, honestly, and, we would 
fain hope, in accordance with Thy supreme will. O, that his 
' righteousness may precede hiiij and form steps for his way,' to 
the heavenly abode of bliss; that Thy angels of mercy may be 
commissioned to convey his soul to the spot reserved for martyred 
saints ; that the suddenness with whicli one of the worst of beings 
deprived him of his life, may atone for anj-- errors which he may 
have committed. Almighty God! every heart is pierced by an- 
guish — every countenance furrowed with grief, at our separation 
from one we revered and loved. We beseech Thee, in this period 
of our sorrow and despondency, to soothe our pains and calm our 
griefs. * * * * Our Father who art in heaven, show us this 
kindness, so that our tears may cease to depict our soitow, and 
give place to the jo5^ful hope that, through Thy goodness, peace 
and concord may supersede war and dissension, and our beloved 
Union, restored to its former tranquilitj', may be enabled to carry 
out Thy wish for the benefit and the happiness of humanity. 



150 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

AVe pray Tliee, do this ; if not for our sakes, for the sake of our 
little ones, unsullied by sin, who lisp Thy holy name, Avith hands 
uplifted, with the importuuity of spotless hearts, they re-echo our 
supplication. Let the past be the end of our sorrow, the future 
the harbinger of peace and salvation to all who seek Tliee iu 
truth. Amen." 

Rev. Dr. Osgood then read a hymn entitled, " Thou 
hast put all things under Thy feet/' Avhich was written 
by William Cnllen Bryant. An " Ode for the Burial 
of Abraham Lincoln/' by the same author, was read 
by Dr. Osgood, also. It reads as follows : 

" Oh slow to smite and swift to spare, 
Gentle, and merciful, and just, 
Who, in the fear of God, didst bear 
The sword of power, a nation's trust. 

" In sorrow by thy bier we stand, 
Amid the awe that hushes all, 
And speak the anguish of a land 
That shook with horror at thy fall. 

*' Thy task is done; the bond are free; 
We bear thee to an honored grave, 
Whose noblest monument sliall be 
The broken fetters of the slave. 

" Pure was thy life ; its bloody close 

Hath placed thee witli the sous of light, 
Among the noble host of those 
Wlio perished in the cause of right." 

Archbishop McClosky, who was to have pronounced 
the benediction, having become exhausted by his long 
walk in the procession, was not present, and that ser- 
vice was performed by Rev. Dr. Hitchcock. 

The following is an extract from a sermon by Henry 
"Ward Beecher, at Plymouth Church, Sunday April 30, 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 151 

1865, with reference to the funeral cortege of Abraham 
Lincoln : 

" And now tlie martyr is moving in triumplial march, mightier 
than wlien alive. The nation rises up at every stage of his com- 
ing; cities and states are as pall bearers, and the cannon beat the 
hours in solemn procession; dead, dead, dead, he yet speaketh! 
Is Washington dead ? Is Hampden dead ? Is David dead ? Is 
any man, that was ever fit to live, dead? Disenthralled from the 
flesh, and risen to the unobstructed sphere where passion never 
comes, he begins his illimitable work. His life is now upon the 
infinite, and will be faithful as no earthly life can be. Pass on. 
Four years ago. Oh ! Illinois, we took from your midst an untried 
man, from among the people. Behold! we return to you a 
mighty conqueror, not thine anj^ more, but the nation's — not 
ours, but the world's. Give him place, Oh, ye prairies. In the 
midst of this great continent his dust shall rest, a sacred treasure 
to the myriads who shall pilgrimage to that shrine, to kindle 
anew tlieir zeal and patriotism. Ye wiuds that move over the 
mighty prairies of the west, chaut his requiem! Ye people, be- 
hold the martyr, whose blood, as so many articulated words, 
pleads for fidelity, for law, for liberty." 

The funeral cortege remained thirty hours in New 
York, and about twenty-two of that time, the corpse 
was exposed to public view. During those hours, it 
was thought to be a moderate estimate, that one hun- 
dred and twenty thousand persons looked upon the 
rigid features of Abraham Ijincoln. It was also esti- 
mated that, on the twenty-fifth of April, from seventy- 
five to one hundred thousand persons took part in the 
procession, and that there was at least half a million 
spectators along the line of the procession. Some 
newspaper reporters placed the number that viewed 
the remains atone hundred and fifty thousand, and the 
spectators of the procession at three quarters of a 
million. 

The more I think of the subject, the more I am 



152 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

impressed with the inadequacy of language to convey 
a correct idea of the intensity of feeling and the mag- 
nitude of the demonstration; but take it in all its 
bearings, New York paid a tribute of respect to the 
memory of Abraham Lincoln, the like of which was 
never approached in this country before, and has proba- 
bly not been excelled in the obsequies of any ruler in 
the history of the world. 

One incident I can not forbear to mention. Lieuten- 
ant General Scott accompanied the escort through the 
city, in his carriage. At the Thirtieth street depot, he 
paid his last respects to the remains of President Lin- 
coln, and then withdrew from the crowd and stood 
alone, waiting for the departure of the train. One of 
the Illinois delegation, who was also a member of 
Congress, approached the General and introduced him- 
self, oifering as an apology for doing so, the fact that 
it was his first, and might be his last opportunity. 
General Scott assured him that no apology was necces- 
sary, and straightening himself to his full height, said, 
" You do me honor, Sir. ' Notwithstanding he was in 
his seventy-ninth year, the gentleman who related the 
circumstance to me, says he was the most majestic 
specimen of a man he ever saw. After introducing 
the other members of the delegation, they all left him 
and entered the cars. 



CHxVPTER XV. 



The hearse car and Generals' car, or that occnpied 
by the Gnard of Honor, were transferred from Jersey 
City to New York on a tug boat. Those two, Avith 
seven others furnished by the Hudson River raih-oad, 
made up the train to convey the funeral party from 
New York to Albany. All things being in readiness, 
the train left the Thirtieth street depot at 4:15 p. m., 
April 25, leaving an immense multitude of spectators, 
the men with uncovered heads. They then dispersed, 
to treasure up the memories of that day to the end of 
their lives. 

At all the stations w^ere demonstrations of sorrow and 
respect. Fort Washington, Mount St. A^incent, Yonk- 
ers, Hastings, Dobb's Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown^ 
Sing Sing, Montrose, Peekskill, and many other sta- 
tions, were all passed in quick succession. At many 
of them the train was greeted with minute guns and 
bands performing dirges. Funeral arches and inscrip- 
tions expressive of the sorrow of the people, were 
everywhere visible. At some of the stations groups of 
young ladies were standing on the platforms, represent- 
ing the States, dressed in white with mourning badges. 
Many of the mottoes seen before were repeated. Among 
the new ones, were such as, " He died for truth." 
" Bear him gently to his rest." 

Garrison's Landing, 6:20 p. m. This is opposite 
West Point, with which it is connected by a ferry. A 
company of Regular soldiers and all the West Point 
Cadets were drawn up in line. The officers of the 
Academy stood apart, all with uncovered heads. The 



154 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Cadets all passed through the funeral car and saluted 
the remains of their late Comniander-in-Chief. Mean- 
while, salutes were being fired from West Point, at the 
west side of the river. 

At Cold Spring, an arch was visible, with a young 
lady rcpresenting the Goddess of Liberty Aveeping. 
She was supported by two boys, one representing a 
sailor, the other a soldier. 

Fishkill, 6:55 p. m. The depot was artistically 
draped in mourning, with the motto, " In God we 
trust." Xewburg is on the west side of the Hudson, 
opposite Fishkill. A flag draped in mourning was dis- 
played from the house where General Washington had 
his headquarters in revolutionary times. 

Poughkeepsie, 7:10 p. m. A bounteous supper was 
waiting here for the entire escort. A committee of 
seven ladies placed a wreath of roses on the coffin of 
the martyred President. A band, composed of students 
from Eastman's business college, accompanied the 
funeral train from New York. Professor Eastman, 
with the remainder of his twelve hundred pupils, 
helped to make up the twenty-five thousand assembled 
here. After a stay of nearly one hour, the train moved 
on, and from this time it was lighted by bonfires and 
torches, at the different stations. Passing Hyde Park 
and Straasburgh, the train reaches Rhinebeck«at 8:35, 
but no stoppage. A torchlight procession enabled the 
assembled crowds of people to view the imposing 
funeral cortege as it flitted by, Barrytown, Tivoli, 
Germantown and Catskill present a scene of mourning, 
drapery, bonfires and torchlights ; reaching Hudson at 
9:45 p. m. Thousands of ])eople were assembled, min- 
ute guns fired, buildings illuminated and draped in 
mourning. Stockport, Stuyvesant and C^astleton were 
passed, at all of which were bonfires or torchlights. 

Arrived at East Albany 10:55 p. m., to find the depot 
draped in mourning, bells tolling, cannon firing, sol- 
diers marching, and three companies of firemen bear- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 155 

ing torches to light the funeral party across the river 
to Albany. The remains were taken from the car and 
placed in a hearse. The entire party passed over on 
the ferryboat, and were escorted by a midnight torch- 
light procession to the State Capitol. 

The coffin was deposited in the Assembly Chamber 
on a catafalque prepared for the occasion. Over the 
Speaker's desk appeared the following inscription : 
" I have sworn a solemn oath to preserve, protect and 
defend the Government." 

At half past one o'clock on the morning of April 
26, all being in readiness, the coffin was opened and 
the people admitted to view the remains. They passed 
bv at the rate of sixty or seventy per minute from the 
commencement, and the number increased as daylight 
approached. When the morning dawned it revealed 
the fact that the whole city was draped in mourning, 
M'ith mottoes and inscriptions tastefully displayed at 
appropriate points. Some of the most touching were 
quotations from Mr. Lincoln's own words, such as, 

" The heart of the nation throbs heavily at the portals of the 

tomb." 
" Let us resolve that the martyred dead shall not have died in 

vain." 

The numbers increased, until the line of those 
awaiting admission Avas more than a mile in length, 
one half of them being ladies, all pressing towards 
the portals of the stately edifice. The cars and steam- 
boats arriving that morning brought additional thou- 
sands to the city, many of them coming from one to 
two hundred miles. From the time of its arrival, 
the coffin was strewn with llowers of the most rare 
and costly varieties. As fast as they exhibited signs 
of fading, they were removed, and fresh ones put in 
their places. Solemn dirges were performed at in- 
tervals by the musical societies and bands. The 
stream of people continued to pour through the edifice, 



156 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

to take a last look at the distinguished dead, and yet, 
when the liour arrived for replacing the cover, thou- 
sands were still in line pressing their way toward the 
State House. Governor Fenton met the funeral party 
at New York, and returned with it to xVlbany, but 
could go no further from the fact that the Legislature 
was al)out to adjourn, and the business before it re- 
quired his presence. 

While the people were filing through the Capitol of 
the most ])opulous State of the Union, at the rate of 
more than four thousand an hour, to do homage to the 
reniainsof our martyred President, a far diflPerent scene 
was being enacted, in which his assassin was the cen- 
tral figure. On Monday evening, the twenty-fourth 
of April, a detachment of the 16th regiment of Xew 
York cavalry, numbering twenty-five men, under the 
direction of Col. L. C. Baker, of the Government- 
detective force, left Washington to visit the south- 
ern part of ]\Iaryland, in search of John Wilkes 
Booth. They learned from a colored man that he had 
crossed the Potomac river into Virginia, and soon 
ascertained that he and his accomplice, Harold, were 
well armed, and secreted in a barn, between Port Royal 
and Bowling Green, the county seat of Caroline county. 
Lieutenant Dougherty arranged his forces, surrounded 
the barn about dusk on Tuesday evening, and called 
npon them to surrender. Several hours were spent in 
efforts to capture them, but Booth steadily expressed 
his de'termination not to be taken alive. Despairing 
of success in any other way, fire was applied to some 
straw in the barn, hoping to drive them out and then 
capture them. Seeing no hope of escape, Harold sur- 
rendered, but Booth drew up his gun, and was in the 
act of taking aim at one of the party outside. At this 
juncture, Lieutenant Dougherty ordered Sergeant Bos- 
ton Corbett to fire. The shot took effect in Booth's 
head, but little differing from the wound he inflicted 
on President Lincoln. He was shot about four o'clock 



AND THE NATIONAT. LINCOLN MONU^SrENT. 157 

Tuesday morning, April 26, and died about seven 
o'clock, after three hours of the most intense agonv. 

From the time the funeral party started, they had 
been astonished to witness the immense throngs of peo- 
ple who, night and day, through sunshine and storm, 
met them at every point to see the great funeral cor- 
tege and view the remains. They feared the ]>eo])lo of 
Springfield would be overwhelmed with numbers be- 
fore they realized the intensity of feeling on the part 
of the people. At Albany the Illinois Delegation held 
a consultation and decided that it was best for one of 
their number to go at once to Springfield and impress 
upon the citizens the importance of exerting themselves 
to the utmost in making suitable preparations for the 
final ceremonies. Col. John Williams volunteered to 
discharge that duty, and started immediately for Spring- 
field. 

After the remains of the President were taken from 
the train at East Albany, the hearse car and that occu- 
pied by the Guard of Honor, were run up the river 
five miles, to Troy, where they were taken across the 
Hudson on the railroad bridge, and run down the west 
side to the depot of the Central Eailroad, at Albany. 
At two o'clock p. m. the coffin w^as closed and conveved 
to a magnificent hearse, drawn by eight white horses. 
It was escorted by a vast procession, composed of all 
the military at Albany and Troy, the fire department, 
the State and city authorities, about thirty civic asso- 
ciations and the citizens generally, to the Xew York 
Central depot, wdiere it Avas again placed on board the 
hearse car. 

Never before were such multitudes of people gath- 
ered at the Capital of the State. Every one seemed 
fully to realize the solemnity of the occasion. It was 
estimated that at least fifty thousand men, Avomen and 
children visited the remains during the twelve and a 
half hours they were exposed to view. The Central 



158 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

railroad furnished seven of its finest cars, makino- the 
same number the train had been composed of bdbre 
and at 4 o'clock p. m., April 26, the great funeral cor- 
tege resumed its journey westward through the emjnre 



CHAPTER Xyi. 



The train arrived at Schenectady at forty-five minutes 
past four o'clock, to lind a multitude of people assem- 
bled. The depot, business and dwelling houses were 
draped in mourning. The women were much affected, 
many of them crying audibly, and tears coursed down 
many manly cheeks. The mechanics of the railroad 
shops all stood in line, with heads uncovered, and the 
utmost silence prevailed. 

Amsterdam, 5;25 p. m. A crowd of people were at 
the depot. They w^ere evidently from the country, as 
it was but a small village, and the line was almost a 
mile long. The train passed through an arch, deco- 
rated with red, white and blue, and draped in mourn- 
ing. The village bells tolled from the time the train 
came within hearing until it passed. 

Funda, 5:45 p. m. Depot, houses, and an arch across 
the railroad, all decorated with flags and draped in 
mourning. Minute guns were fired as the train arrived, 
and continued until it passed out of hearing. 

Palatine Bridge, 6:25 p. m. In passing along the 
valley of the Mohawk river, the railroad runs under 
the Palatine Bridge, which was artistically decorated 
with flags, intertwined with mourning emblems. On 
approaching the village of the same name, a white cross 
was erected on a grassy mound. The cross was robed 
in evergreens and mourning. On each side was a 
w^oman, apparently weeping. Inscribed on the cross 
were the words, " We have prayed for you ; now we 
can only weep." The village buildings were draped 



160 THE GEEAT FUNERAL CORTEGE. 

in mourning, minute guns fired, and a band was play- 
ing most solemn music. 

Fort Plain, 6:32 p. m. The depot was draped in 
mourning, and a large gathering of people looked 
mourn full V at the train as it swept by. 

St. Johnsville, K Y., 6:47 p. m., April 26. The 
funeral escort were the guests of all the cities where 
they stopped for public demonstrations of respect to be 
paid to the remains. At Harrisburg they were quar- 
terted at the Jones House ; in Philadelphia, at the Con- 
tinental Hotel ; in New York at the Metropolitan 
Hotel, and in Albany, at the Delavan House. The 
first place where the services of Captain Penrose, the 
commissary of subsistence, were brought into requisi- 
tion, was on the run from New York to Albany ,when 
it was necessary to have supper prepared at Pough- 
keepsie. Between Albany and Buffalo,the distance being 
too great to pass over without refreshments, Commissary 
Penrose made arrangements to have them supplied at 
St. Johnsville, and when the train arrived, a bounteous 
supper was in waiting. The depot was elaborately 
draped in mourning. Twenty-four young ladies, from 
the most wealthy and refined families of the village 
and surrounding country, dressed in white with black 
velvet badges, waited on the tables. After supper, 
these young ladies assembled, entered the hearse car, 
and placed a wreath of flowers on the coffin, and then 
the train moved on in its westward course. 

It was now quite dark, and the remaining distance 
to Buffalo occupied the whole time until daylight. 

Those on board the train remember this as hav- 
ing been the most remarkable portion of the whole 
route for its continuous and hearty demonstrations of 
respect — if any part could be so designated, where 
all were without precedent, l^onfires and torchlights 
illumined the road the entire distance. Minute guns 
were fired at so many points that it seemed almost 
continuous. Singing soceities and bands of music 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 101 

were so numerous that, after passing a station, the 
sound of a dirge or requiem would scarcely die away 
in the distance, until it would be caught up at the town 
or village they were approaching. Thus through the 
long hours of the night did the fuueral cortege receive 
such honors that it seemed more like the march of a 
mighty conqueror, than respect to the remains of one 
of the most humble of the sons of earth. 

We will notice in detail some of the towns and vil- 
lages on the line. 

"Little Falls, N. Y., 7:35 p. m. The train paused 
here long enough for a wreath of flowers in the form 
of a shield and cross, to be placed on the coffin. It 
bore the following inscription. 

" The ladies of Little Falls, througli their committee, present 
these flowers. The shield, as an emblem of the protection which 
our beloved President has ever proved to the liberties of the 
American people. The cross, of his ever faithful trust in God ; 
and the wreath as a token that we mingle our tears with tliose of 
our afflicted nation." 

Herkimer, 7:50 p. m. Thirty-six young ladies, 
dressed in white, with black sashes, and holding flags 
representing the thirty-six States of the Union, were 
on the platform, surrounded by a vast multitude. A 
band was playing solemn music, and wreaths of flowers 
were thrown on board the train as it moved slowly past. 

Ilion, N. Y., 7:56. Remington's gun factory was 
brilliantly illuminated. A torchlight procession and 
boy zouaves were in line. 

Utica, 8:25 p. m,, April 26. The depot and other 
buildings draped in mourning. Many banners were 
displayed in mourning and bearing inscriptions. Min- 
ute guns were firing and bauds playing solemn dirges. 
A multitude of people were assembled and a gorgeous 
torchlight procession was in line. 

As the train swept by Whitesboro andOriskany, the 
people were gathered in crowds around large bonfires, 
and were waving flags trimmed with mourning. 
11 



162 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTTJOE, 

Eome, April 26, 9:10 p. m. It was raining heavily 
when the train arrived at this place, but there was an 
immense crowd assembled at tlie depot, which was 
richly draped in mourning. A band of music on the 
platform was playing a dead march. 

Green's Corners and Verona were next passed, at 
both of which large numbers of ])eople were standing 
around bonfires. 

Oneida, 9:50 p. m. An arch draped in mourning, 
bore the inscri])tion : " We mourn with the nation." 
The depot was decorated with flags all draped in mourn- 
ing. A crowd of people were at the depot, the men 
M-ith heads uncovered. A company of firemen bearing 
lighted torches were in line. 

At Canastota, Canaserga, Chittenango, Kirkville and 
Manlius, the people stood around bonfires and carried 
lighted torches to see the funeral cortege on its west- 
ward course. 

Syracuse, April 26, 11:05 p. m. The depot and ad- 
joining buildings were almost covered with the in- 
signia of sorrow. Many dwellings were illuminated 
and mourning drapery suspended around the windows. 
Tears coursed down the cheeks of both men and 
women. Minute guns were firing and bands playing 
solemn dirges. The scene was grand and imposing. 

INIemphis, X. Y., midnight. At this place, and 
Warners, just passed, people stood in groups, with un- 
covered heads and lighted torches, to see the funeral 
cortege glide past. 

At Weedsport, Jordan, Port Byron, Savannah, Clyde, 
Lyons and Newark, the depots were draped in mourn- 
ing, bonfires and torchlights revealed groups of men 
and women with bare heads standing for hours in the 
middle of the night to catch a passing view of the great 
funeral. 

Palmyra, X. Y.. April 27, 2:15 a. m. The depot is 
nicely decorated, and men, women and children fiock 
about the hearse ear. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 163 

Meriden was next passed, and a bonfire threw a 
glare of light on the whole surrounding scene. 

Fail-port, 2:50 a. m. The people with lighted torches, 
banners, badges and mourning inscriptions were assem- 
bled in large numbers, to view the funeral train. 

Rochester, N. Y., 3:20 a. m, Thursday, April 27. 
Here there were assembled an immense multitude, 
numbering many thousands. The IMayor, City Coun- 
cil, military and civic organizations were out in full 
force. The depot was dra})ed in mourning, and in- 
scriptions and mottoes were displayed, expressive of the 
sorrow of the peoi)le. From the time the funeral cor- 
tege arrived until it passed out of hearing distance, 
minute guns were fired, bells tolled and bands per- 
formed measured and mournful music. 

The towns, Coldwater, Chili, Churchville, Bergen, 
West Bergen and Byron were passed. At all of these 
the people were gathered in groups around bonfires, and 
some were carrying lighted tf>rches, all eager to obtain 
a view of the funeral cortege of Abraham Lincoln. 

Batavia, N. Y., 5:18 a. m., April 27. A large num- 
ber of citizens were assembled at the depot, which was 
richly draped in mourning. A choir of male and 
female voices were singing a requiem. Minute guns 
were firing and bells tolling from the time the cortege 
arrived until it passed out of hearing. 

At Crofts, Corfu, Alden, Wende and Lancaster, the 
depots were draped, flags displayed and the people stood 
in groups with uncovered heads, as the funeral cortege 
glided by. Soon after daylight, in passing a farm 
house, a group of children were seen in a wagon wav- 
ing flags trimmed with mourning, towards the train. 

Buffalo, N. Y., 7 a. m., Thursday, April 27. The 
following editorial appeared in the Buffalo Daily Ex- 
2)ress, a few days after the assassination : 

"How reverently Abraham Lincoln was loved by the common 
people ; how much they had leaned upon the strength of his heroic 



164 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

character, in the great trial through which he led them ; how per- 
fect a trust they reposed in his wisdom, his iutegnt}-, his patriot- 
ism, and the fortitude of his faitliful heart ; liow great a sphere he 
filled in the constitution of their hopes, they did not know before. 
The shock of consternation, grief, and horror, which revealed it 
to them, was undoubtedly the most profound that ever fell upon 
a people. It shook this nation like an earthquake. The strong 
men of the nation wept together like children. Never, do we 
believe, was there exhibited such a spectacle of manly tears, 
WTUug from stout hearts, by bitter anguisli, as in the streets of 
every city, town and hamlet, in these United States, on Saturday 
last. Ah ! there was a deep planting of love for Abraham Lin- 
coln in the hearts of his countr\-meu ! Noble soul, honest heart, 
wise statesman, upright magistrate, brave old patriot, the nation 
was orphaned by tliy death and felt the grief of orphanage. 

It would be natural to expect that where such noble 
and sympathetic sentiments were expressed, the remains 
of Abraham Lincoln would receive a tender greeting. 
An extensive military and civic funeral procession 
turned out on the nineteenth, the day the obsequies 
took place at Washington. For this reason there were 
no preparations for any such demonstration on the arri- 
val of the funeral cortege, but it was met at the depot 
by a large concourse of people. An impromptu pro- 
cession was formed by citizens, headed by the military. 
The coffin was taken to a fine hearse, which was cov- 
ered with black cloth, and surrounded by an arched 
canopy tastefully trimmed with white satin and silver 
lace. The coffin was elevated so as to be seen at a long 
distance. The procession moved along the principal 
streets to the sound of solemn music, and reached St. 
James Hall about half past nine o'clock. The body 
was conveyed into the Hall and deposited on a dais, in 
the presence of the accompanying Guard of Honor and 
the Union Continentals. As the remains were carried 
in, the Buffido St. Cecelia Society sang, with much feel- 
ing, the dirge, '^ Rest, Spirit, Rest;" after which, the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT 165 

Soeietv placed an elegantly formed harp, made of choice 
white flowers, at the head of the coffin, which was over- 
shadowed by a crape canopy, and the space lighted up 
by a large chandelier in the ceiling. Ex-President 
Fillmore Avas among the ciyilians composing the escort 
to St. James Hall. Large numbers of Canadians came 
oyer to Buffalo during the day, to manifest their sym- 
pathy by taking part in the procession and viewing the 
remains. The funeral party being the guests of the 
city, were quartered at the Mansion House. All kinds 
of business was suspended, and it was estimated that 
between forty and fifty thousand persons took a parting 
look at the remains. At eight o'clock in the afternoon 
the coffin was closed ; about nine it was taken back to 
the depot, and at ten p. m. the train resumed its jour- 
ney. 



CHAPTER XYII. 



At Xew Hamburg, North Evans, Lake view, Angola 
and Silver Creek, the depots were draped in mourning, 
large bonfires were burning, and the people were assem- 
bled in great numbers to see the funeral cortege of the 
martvred President. 

Dunkirk, N. Y., 12:10 a. m., Friday, April 28. The 
depot was elaborately and artistically decorated with 
mourning drapery and festoons of evergreens. An 
immense throng of people were assembled, who stood 
with heads uncovered as the train moved up. The 
principal feature of the scene was a group of thirty- 
six young ladies, representing the States of the Union, 
dressed in white, with black scarfs on their shoulders. 
All were kneeling, and each held in her hands a na- 
tional flag. It was a beautiful tableau, as seen at the 
midnight hour by the glare of more than a hundred 
lamps and torches. When the train stopped, the young 
ladies entered the funeral car and placed a wreath of 
flowers and evergreens on the coffin. The firing of 
minute guns, the tolling of bells, and the band per- 
forming a requiem, combined with the other parts to 
present a spectacle such as had never before been wit- 
nessed on the shores of I^ake Erie. 

At Brockton there was a croAvd standing with heads 
uncovered and in silence as the train passed bv. 

Westfield, N. Y., one o'clock a. m., April 2<S. The 
ti-aiu stopped for wood and water, and a delegation of 
five ladies placed a cross and wreath of roses on the 
coffin. It bore the inscription : 

" Our's, the Cross: Thiue, the Crowu." 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 167 

All of them were affected to tears, and considered it 
a privilege to kiss the coffin. 

Riplcv, N. Y. Flags were draped in mourning, bon- 
fires blazing, and the people stood in groops with lieads 
uncovered. 

State Line, between Xew York and Pennsylvania, 
1:32 a. m., April 28. A bonfire was blazing, flags were 
draped, and a large number of people were assembled 
to look at the funeral cortege of Abraham Ivincoln. 

North East, Pa., 1:47 a. m. A little girl came on 
board with a cross and wreath of roses and other flow- 
ers, and placed it on the coffin. The cross bore the 
inscription : " Pest in Peace." Major General Dix 
took leave of the remains at this place and returned 
to New York. F. F. Faran, Mayor of Erie, and 
others, came on board. 

Erie, Pa., 2:50 a. m., April 28. The citizens of 
Erie were making arrangements to give suitable recep- 
tion to the honored remains, when they were informed 
by the Superintendent of the Cleveland & Erie rail- 
road that the funeral escort had made a special request 
that no public demonstration be made at that place, in 
order to give them an ojiportunity for repose. The 
request was unauthorized, but it deprived them of a 
mournful pleasure. Notwithstanding this, a large num- 
ber of peo])le were assembled at the depot, where a 
transparency was displayed, with the inscription : 

"Abraham Lincoln may die, but the prniciiiles embalmed in his 
blood Avill live forever." 

Girard, Pa. A large number of people were collect- 
ed at the depot, wliich was draped with mourning and 
illuminated with bouiires. 

Sju-ingfield, Pa., 2:27 a. m., April 28. A large crowd 
of people, with lighted torches and drooping flags were 
assembled at the depot to see the funeral cortege pass 

by. 



168 THE GEEAT FUNERAL TORTEGE. 

Conneaut, Ohio, 3:4<S a. m., April 28. This is the 
first station in Ohio. The depot ^vas draped in mourn- 
ing and a h\rge number of persons on the phitform with 
heads uncovered. 

Kingsville, Ohio. Depot was draped and a crowd 
of people. 

Ashtabula, Ohio, 4:27 a. m. Minute guns heralded 
the approach of the funeral train. The depot was 
draped in mourning and flags floating to the breeze. 
Mottoes and inscriptions were displayed expressing the 
sorrow of the people for the cruel assassination of 
Abraham Lincoln. 

Geneva, Madison, Perry, Painesville and Mentor 
were passed as the day dawned, but the de])ots were all 
diaped in mourning, flags floating, mottoes displayed 
and large crowds of people, all eager to see the hearse 
car bearing all that was mortal of Abraham Lincoln, 
to his rest. 

AYilloughby, Ohio, April 28, 6:08 a. m. Notwith- 
standing the early morning hour, a number of very 
aged men were seen leaning on their staffs with their 
snow-white locks uncovered. Hundreds of watchers 
looked longingly at the sable cortege gliding by. 

Wickliffe, Ohio, 6:20 a. m. Governor John Brough, 
on the part of Ohio, received the funeral party. He 
was accompanied by his staff, consisting of Adj. Gen. 
B. R. Cowan, Asst. Adj. Gen. John T. ^Nlercer, Quar. 
Mast. Gen. ]Merrill Barlow, Sergcon Gen. R. N. Barr, 
Col. S. D. Maxwell, Aid-de-Camp, and F. A. Marble, 
Private Secretary. Ex-Governor Tod, k%nator Sher- 
man, Hon. Sam. Galloway, and others, accompanied 
the party. 

Major General Joseph Hooker, commanding the 
department of Ohio, with his staff, came on board the 
train at Wickliffe, and, under General Orders No. 72, 
took chief command of the funeral escort. A delega- 
tion of about twenty-five citizens of Cleveland met the 
train at this point and formed part of the escort. 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 169 

Euclid, 6:32 a. m. More of the citizens of Cleve- 
hiiul came on board the train at this point. 

Cleveland, Ohio, 7 o'clock a. m., Friday, April 28. 
The attention of those on the train, was rirst attracted 
by a magnificent arch, bearing-, in large letters, the in- 
scription : 

"ABRAHAM LINCOLN." 

Immediately under the arch was a female, dressed to 
represent the Goddess of Liberty. She held in her 
hand a flag, and this, together with her cap, was braid- 
ed in mourning. An immense multitude thronged the 
streets. At seven o'clock, as the train arrived, a na- 
tional salute of thirty-six guns was fired, and half-hour 
guns from that time until sunset. As the funeral cor- 
tege approached, the bells throughout the city com- 
menced tolling, the shipping in the harbor and all the 
hotels and other public buildings displayed the Ameri- 
can flag at half-mast, and all business houses were 
closed, and remained so throughout the day. At half 
past seven an immense procession consisting of mili- 
tary and civic associations, was formed at the Euclid 
street station. It was composed of six divisions, each 
headed by a band. As soon as the train arrived at 
the station the coffin was placed in a magnificent hearse, 
draped with the American flag trimmed with mourn- 
ing. 

The procession moved through Euclid street to Erie 
street, down Erie to Superior street, thence to a public 
park, where a beautiful temple had been erected. This 
temple was twenty-four by thirty -six feet, and fourteen 
feet high, to the cornice. The roof was in pagoda 
style. Within this temple was a gorgeous catafalque. 
The coffin was laid on a dais, about two feet above the 
floor of the catafalque. The columns were wreathed 
with evergreens and white flowers, and trimmed with 
mourning. Black cloth fringed with silver, drooped 



170 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

from the corners and the centre of the canopy, and looped 
back to the columns. The floor and sides of the dais 
were covered with black cloth, bordered with silver 
fringe. The cornice was brilliantly ornamented with 
white rosettes and stars of silver. The inside of the 
canopy was lined with black cloth, gathered in folds, 
and black and white crape. In the centre of the can- 
opy was a large star of black velvet, ornamented with 
thirty-six silver stars, representing the States of the 
Union. The dais was covered with iiowers and a fig- 
ure representing the Goddess of Liberty was placed at 
the head of the coffin. The ceiling of the temple was 
hung with festoons of evergreens and flowers. Lamps 
were attached to the pillars of the catafalque, and the 
columns of the temple, that the remains might be 
viewed at night as well as by day. This temple seemed, 
in daylight, as if it was a creation of fairy land, and 
when lighted up with all the lanterns, and standing out 
amid the surrounding darkness, looked more like the 
realization of an enchanted castle than the work of 
men's hands. The cost of it must have been very 
great, and I have been thus minute in the description 
because there was nothing comparable to it at any other 
place on the whole journey. This large exiK'uditure 
on the part of the citizens of Cleveland, to prepare a 
few hours resting place for the remains of Abraham 
Lincoln, on their way to the tomb, was only a faint 
symbol of the sacrifices they had already made, and 
were still willing to make in support of the principles 
for which he was assassinated. 

The religious services were conducted by the Right 
Rev. Bishop Mcllvaine, of the Protestant Epi.^copal 
Church. He read a part of the funeral service of that 
Church, suitable to the occasion. After the religious 
services, two columns of spectatoi-s — one on each side — 
began filing past the corpse, and, notwithstanding it 
rained the greater part of the time, about eighty per- 
sons per minute viewed the remains of President Lin- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 171 

coin, throughout the clay. At intervals the coffin was 
freshly covered with flowers by the ladies. It was es- 
timated that more than fifty thousand persons viewed 
the remains, and when the coffin closed, near midnight, 
there were still hundreds in line, disappointed in their 
efforts to look on the face of the dead. The funeral 
party being the guests of the city, were quartered at 
the Weddell House. 

While the funeral party were in Cleveland they were 
waited upon by Charles L. Wilson, editor of the Chi- 
cago Journal, as chairman of the Committee of One 
Hundred citizens, appointed by the City Council of 
Chicago, " to proceed to Michigan City to receive the 
remains of President Lincoln, escort them to Chicago, 
and accompany them to Springfield." Mr. Wilson 
tendered the hospitalities of the city to the funeral es- 
cort when they should arrive in Chicago, and stated 
that, up to the time of his departure, forty-one organi- 
zations and societies, representing twenty-five thousand 
men, had reported to the Chief Marshal their intention 
to form part of the procession. 

The saloons of Cleveland were all closed during the 
stay of the funeral party in that city, by a proclamation 
from the Mayor ; and, in order to control the move- 
ments of the vast multitude, all the streets leading to 
the Park were fenced up and gates placed in the centre. 
They were guarded by military, and the people admit- 
ted no faster than they could view the remains and pass 
out. In this Avay, all crowding about the temple was 
avoided. The procession began re-forming about ten 
o'clock p. m., and escorted the remains to the depot. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



At midnight, the funeral cortege left Cleveland, to 
continue its westward course. Rain continued to fall, 
but that did not abate the anxiety of the people. 

Among the towns worthy of special mention, on ac- 
count of their costly and elaborate demonstrations, were 
Berea, Olmstead, Columbia, Grafton, Lagrange, Wel- 
lington, Rochester, New London, Greenwich, Shiloh, 
Shelby and Crestline, the latter place being reached at 
seven minutes past four o'clock a. m. At all these 
places the depots were draped and the national flag 
shrouded in mourning. INIottoes and inscriptions ex- 
pressive of the sorrow of the people were everywhere 
visible. Through the rain and darkness they came, 
bearing lanterns and torches, that they might obtain a 
passing view of the great funeral pageant. Gallon, 
Iberia and Gilead, each presented the same appearance, 
and the train arrived at Cardington at 5:20 a. m., Sat- 
urday, April 29. The largest gathering seen after 
leaving Cleveland, were collected at this place, about 
three thousand people being present. The depot was 
handsomely draped with mourning flags. Over the 
doorway was an inscription, in large letters, 

"He sleeps in the blessings of the poor, whose fetters God com- 
missioned him to break." 

The train arrived and departed to the sound of min- 
ute guns and the tolling of bells. Ashley, Eden, Dela- 
Avare, Berlin, Lewis' Centre, Orange, Westerville and 
Worthington, all presented the same appearance of 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 173 

depots draped in mourning, with mottoes, inseriptions, 
and increasing crowds of people. The train arrived at 
Columbus, Ohio, at 7:30 a. m., Saturday, April "29. 
By way of preparing for appropriately honoring the re- 
mains of the late Chief Magistrate, the following order 
had been promulgated at the proper time : 

) Gen'l H'dq'hs, State op Ohio, 
General Order, No 5. [ Adjutant Genekal's Office, 

\ Columbus, April 23, 1865. 

Major John W. Skiles, Eighty-eighth O. V. I., is hereby ap- 
pointed Chief Marshal of the ceremonies in honor of the remains 
of the late Pi-esident Lincoln, in the city of Columbns, on the 
twenty-ninth inst. He will appoint liis own aides, and will have 
entire control of the ceremonies and procession attending the 
transfer of tlie remains from and to the depot. All societies, dele- 
gations, or other organizations, wishing to participate in the cere- 
monies, will report, by telegraph or letter, to the Chief Marshal 
on or before ten o'clock a. m. of Friday, the twenty-eightli inst. 

The headquarters of the Chief Marshal, during Thursday and 
Friday, twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth inst., will be at the 
Adjutant General's office, in the Capitol. 
By order of tlie Governor : 

B. R. COWEN, 
Assutm^t Adjutant General. 

Immediately on the arrival of the train, the funeral 
party were taken in carriages, the carriages moving 
three abreast, and the coffin was conveyed to a mag- 
niticent hear.se. It was seventeen feet long, eight and 
a half feet wide, and seventeen and a half feet from 
the ground to the top of the canopy. The floor of the 
hearse was four feet from the ground. A dais was 
raised two and a half feet above the floor, making six 
and a half feet above the ground. On this the coffin 
rested, where it was sufficiently elevated for all to see 
it. The canopy was formed like a Chinese pagoda. 
The interior of the canopy was lined with silk flags, 



1T4 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTi::GE, 

and the outside covered with black broadcloth. The 
dais, main floor,and the entire hearse was covered with 
black cloth, which hung in festoons from the main plat- 
form to within a few inches of the ground. The broad- 
cloth was fringed with silver lace and ornamented with 
heavy tassels of black silk. Surrounding the cornice 
were thirty-six silver stars, and on the apex and the 
four corners were heavy black plumes. The canopy 
was curtained with black cloth and lined with white 
merino. On each side of the dais was the name 
"Lincoln," in silver letters. The hearse was drawn 
by six white horses, all covered with black cloth, edged 
with silver fringe. The heads of the horses were sur- 
mounted with large black plumes, and each was led 
by a groom, dressed in black, with white gloves and 
a white band around his hat. 

The flowers of Buffalo and Cleveland were still on 
the lid of the coffin. The procession was by far the 
most grand and imposing of any that had ever marched 
through the streets of the capital of Ohio. It was 
composed of soldiers, citizens and civic societies, not 
of Columbus only, but of Cincinnati and other cities 
and towns for many miles around. At the Soldiers' 
Hospital, the invalids had adorned the palings in front 
of the building with national flags, trimmed with 
mourning, and displayed other evidences of sorrow. 

These invalids, made so in the service of their 
country, gathered flowers and branches, principally 
lilac, and for several hundred yards, had strewn them 
on each side of the street, where the procession was to 
pass. Many of the soldiers appeared on crutches. 

Amid the tolling of bells and the booming of cannon, 
the solemn cortege wended its way to the State Capi- 
tol. The pillars of that beautiful white edifice were 
artisticially draped in mourning, and flags were at half- 
mast on each side of the dome. Displayed conspicu- 
ously, in large black letters, were the following words : 
" With malice toward none, with charity for all." 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 175 

Arched over the gate leading to the grounds, were the 
words, " Ohio Mourns," and over the entrance to the 
building, " God moves in a mysterious way." The 
interior of the capitol was draped in the most elabo- 
rate and costly style. 

The coffin was conveyed into the rotunda, where it 
was deposited on a mound of moss, thickly dotted 
with the choicest of flowers, and surrounded by ele- 
gant vases of rare exotics. The walls were adorned 
with Powell's great painting of Perry's victory on 
Lake Erie ; with clusters of battle flags, torn and rid- 
dled with bullets, as they were borne by Ohio regi- 
ments in suppressing the rebellion. These were fes- 
tooned with crape, and drooped sadly around the 
spacious rotunda. As soon as the coffin was properly 
arranged, the spectators began to pass before the re- 
mains. 

Solemn dirges w^ere performed at intervals, and guns 
were fired dnring the day. In the afternoon, a meet- 
ing was held at the east side of the capitol. On the 
stage were Major Generals Plooker and Hunter, with 
the clergy of the city. Rev. Mr. Goodwin opened the 
services with prayer. The Hon. Job E. Stevenson 
then addressed the vast assemblage, in a most eloquent 
and thrilling oration. He was listened to with the 
most profound attention from beginning to end. I 
can only give a very brief synopsis. He said : 

" Ohio mourns, America mourns, tlie civilized world will mourn 
the cruel death of Abraham Lincoln, the brave, the wise, the 
good; bravest, wisest, best of men. Histor^^ alone can measure 
and weigh his worth, but we, in parting from liis mortal remains, 
may indulge the fullness of our hearts, in a few broken words, 
of his life, his death and his fnme. 

"A western farmer's son, self-made, in early manlioixl he won 
by sterling qualities of head and iieart, the public confidence, and 
was entrusted with the people's power. Growing with liis State, 
he became a leader in the west. Elected President, he disbelieved 



176 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

the threats of traitors, and sought to serve his term in peace. The 
clouds of civil war darkened tlie land. Tlie President pleaded 
and praj'cd for peace, ' long declined the war,' and only wlien the 
storm in fury burst upon the flag, did he arm for the Union. For 
four years the war raged, and tlie President was tried as man was 
never tried before. Oh, 'with what a load of toil and care,' has 
he come, with stead}% steadfast step, tlirough the valley and the 
shadow of defeat, over the bright mountain of victor}', up to the 
sun-lit plain of peace ! 

" Tried by dire disaster at Bull Kun, where volunteer patriots 
met veteran traitors ; at Fredericksburg, where courage contended 
with nature ; at Chancellorville, that desperate venture ; in the 
dismal swamps of the Chickahominy, where a brave army was 
buried in vain; by the chronic siege of Charleston, the mockery 
ftf Richmond, and the dangers of Washington — through all these 
trials the President stood firm, trusting in God and the people, 
while the people trusted in God and in him. There were never 
braver men than the Union volunteers ; none braver ever rallied 
in Grecian phalanx or Roman legion ; none braver ever bent tlie 
Saxon bow, or bore barbarian battle axe, or set the lance in rest ; 
none braver ever followed the crescent or the cross, or fought 
with Napoleon, or Wellington, or Washington. Yet the com- 
mander-in-chief of the Union armj'- and navy was worthy of the 
man — filling for four years the foremost and most perilous part 
unfaltering. 

" Tried by good fortune, he saw soldiers of the West recover 
the great valley, and bring back to the Union the Father of 
Waters, and all his beautiful children. He saw the legions of 
Lee hui'led from the heights of Gett}'sburg. He saw the flag of 
the free rise on Lookout Mountain, and spread from river to sea, 
and rest over Sumter. He saw the Star Spangled Banner, bright- 
ened by the blaze of battle, bloom over Richmond, and he saw 
Lee surrender. Yet he remained wise and modest, giving all the 
glory to God and our army and navy. 

"Tried by civil affairs which would have taxed the powers and 
tested the virtues of Jefferson, Hamilton and Washington, he ad- 
ministered them so wisely and well, that after three years no man 
was found to take his place. He was re-elected, and the harvest 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 177 

of success came in so gradually, that lie might have said, ' Now, 
Lord, lettest Tliou Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes 
have seen Thy salvation.' Yet he was free from weakness or 
vanity. Thus did he exhibit, on occasion, in due proportion and 
harmonious action, tliose cardinal virtues, tlie trinity of true great- 
ness — courage, wisdom and goodness; goodness to love the right, 
wisdom to know the right, and courage to do the right. Tried 
by these tests, and by the touchstone of success, he was tlie great- 
est of living men. 

"But why multiply words of his greatness? "We read it in the 
nation's eyes. What a scene do we witness! Some of us remem- 
ber when, on the thirteenth of February, 1861, four years and two 
months befoi'e his death, the Pi'esident was here on his way to 
Washington, and spoke in the State House. Then, this self-made 
man was untried, and his friends, and he iiimsslf, questioned his 
capacity to fill the responsible position to which he was chosen. 
He spoke with misgivings, but placing his reliance on Providence, 
went forward reluctantly to the cliair; and now, after four short 
years, he returns, borne on the bosom of millions of men, his way 
watered with tears and strewn with flowers. 

" He stood on the summit, his brow bathed in the beams of the 
rising sun of peace, singing in his heart the angelic song of 'Glory 
to God in the highest, peace on earth and good will toward men.' 
'With malice toward none, with charity for all,' he hadforgi.en 
the people of the South, and might have forgotten their leaders — 
covering with the bi'oad mantle of his charity their multitude of 
sins. But he is slain — slaili by slavery. That fiend incarnate did 
the deed. Beaten in battle, tlie leaders sought to save slavery by 
assassination. This madness presaged their destruction. 

"Abraham Lincoln was the personification of Mercj'. Andrew 
Johnson is the personification of Justice. The}' have murdered 
Mercy, and Justice rules alone, and the people, with one voice, 
pray to heaven that justice may be done. Tiie blood of thousands 
of murdered prisoners cries to heaven. The shades of sixty-two 
thousand starved soldiers rise up in judgment against them. The 
body of the murdered President condems tliem. Some deprecate 
vengeance. There is no room for vengeance here. Long before jus- 
tice cari have done her perfect work, the material will he exhausted and 
12 



178 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

the record closed. Some wonder why the South killed her best 
friend. Abraham Lincoln was tlie true friend of the people of the 
South ; for he was their friend as Jesus is the friend of sinners, 
ready to save when they repent. Ours is the grief, theirs is the 
loss, and his is the gain. He died for Liberty and Union, aud 
now he wears the martyr's glorious crown. He is our crowned 
President. While the Union survives, while the love of liberty 
warms the human heart, Abraham Lincoln will hold high rank 
among the immortal dead. The imperial free Republic, the best 
and strongest government on earth, will be a monument to his 
glory, while over and above all shall rise and swell the great dome 
of his fome." 

The procession of the morning was re-formed, and 
escorted the remains to the depot, and at eight o'clock 
p. m. the funeral train resumed its course, amid the 
firing of guns and the tolling of the bells of the city. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



At Pleasant Vallev, Unionville, Milford, Wood- 
stock and Cable, the de])ots were decorated and draped 
in monrning, and bonfires and torches enabled the 
large crowds assembled to see the funeral train. At 
Woodstock a delegation of ladies entered the hearse 
car and decorated the coffin with flowers, and at the 
same time the AVoodstock band played a solemn piece 
of music. 

Urbana, Ohio, 10:30 p. m., April 29. Three thous- 
and people were assembled, and a large bonfire lighted 
up the scene. Ten young ladies entered the car and 
strewed flowers on the bier, some of them weeping. At 
the same time a choir of forty male and female voices 
sang, " Go to thy Rest." The train arrived and de- 
parted with minute guns firing and bells tolling. 

At St. Paris and Fletcher bonfires were blazing and 
the people were standing with heads uncovered and in 
silence as the train moved along. 

Piqua, Ohio, 12:20 a. m., Sunday, April 30. Many 
thousands of people were assembled at the depot, which 
was draped in mourning. The scene was lighted vip 
with large fires. A delegation from the Methodist 
Church, with Rev. Granville INIoody, sang a funeral 
hymn. Two bands also discoursed solemn music. 

Covington, Bradford Junction and Gettysburg were 
passed in quick succession, and, notwithstanding it Avas 
in the middle of the night, there was a large crowd at 
each place, witli bonfires, flags and mottoes. 

Greenville, Ohio, two o'clock a. m., Sunday, April 
30. The depot was tastefully decorated, and the scene 



180 THE GREAT FUNERAE CORTEGE, 

lighted up by two large bonfires. Thirty-six young 
ladies, representing the States of the Union, were 
dressed in white, each waving a star-spangled banner. 
A requiem was sung by a choir of ladies and gentle- 
men. A large number of people were standing at the 
depot at New ]\Iadison. 

New Paris, 2:41, Sunday morning, April 30. The 
depot was artistically draped in mourning. An arch 
spanned the track. It was adorned with evergreens 
draped in mourning. The scene was lighted up by 
huge bonfires. This was the last town on that line of 
road in the State of Ohio. 

Eichmond, Ind., 3:10 a. m., Sunday, April 30. This 
was the first town entered in the State of Indiana. The 
scene here was imposing and magnificently solemn. 
The city contains about twelve thousand inhabitants, 
but there were more than that number present. Ar- 
rangements were effected the day before to have all the 
bells in the city rang an hour previous to the expected 
arrival of tlie funeral cortege. At the time appointed 
they pealed forth their notes on the still night air, and 
soon the streets were filled with men and women, old 
and young, all wending their way to the depot. Broad- 
brimmed hats and Quaker bonnets Avere liberally 
sprinkled among the vast concourse — as the Friends 
are more numerous here, in proportion to the whole 
population, than they are in the city of Philadelphia. 
Xearly the whole population of the city came out, and 
the ]ieople in the sui-rounding country left their homes 
in the middle of the night and came many miles in 
wagons, carriages, and on horseback, and it was esti- 
mated that between twelve and fifteen thousand were 
present. 

As the train approached the city the bells on the 
engines of the Airline railroad — a cross road — were 
tolling, and all the engines were lighted up with revolv- 
ing lamps and tastefully decorated in mourning. A 
gorgeous arch was constructed, twenty -five feet high 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 181 

and thirty wide, under wliicli the train passed. On 
both sides of the structure American t^ags were wrought 
into triangles, down the sides of which Avere suspended, 
at equal distances, transparencies of red, white, and 
blue, alternating with chaplets of evergreens, which 
clambered up the sides of the triangles and centered at 
the summit in velvet rosettes. Across the structure, at 
about eighteen feet from the base was a platform cai'- 
peted with black velvet. , On the ends of this platform 
were two flags in drooping folds. In the center of this 
up])er work was a female representing the Goddess of 
Liberty. She was in a sitting posture, weeping over a 
coffin. On one side was a boy-soldier and on the other 
a boy-sailor, both acting as mourners. Governor INIor- 
ton and suite, with other prominent gentlemen from dif- 
ferent parts of the State, about one hundred in all, 
came on a special train from Indianapolis and joined 
the funeral party at Richmond. After a brief pau^e, 
the train moved slowly away, and the multitude, with 
sad hearts, dispersed to their homes in silence. 

Centerville, Ind., 3:41 a. m. The depot was splen- 
didly robed in mourning. At each end of the plat- 
form were two chandeliers, brilliantly lighted. The 
people were anxious for the train to tarry longer, Init 
of course their wishes could not be complied with. 
Centerville is the home of the Hon. George W. Julian, 
and was the home of Hon. O. P. Morton, previous to 
his becoming Governor of the State. 

Germantown, Ind., 4:05 a. m. A number of bril- 
liant bonfires were burning, flags draped in mourning, 
and other evidences of sorrow exhibited. 

Cambridge City, Ind., 4:15 a. m. As the funeral 
train reached this place, it was received with salvos of 
artillery. A very tasty arch spanned the railroad track. 
It was beautifully decorated and appro]>riately draped 
in mourning. The darkness was turned into a solemn 
glare by the burning of Bengal lights, and as the red- 
dish blue met the first streaks of grey on the eastern 



182 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

hojizon, the effect was solemn and impressive. It Avas 
the unanimous verdict of those who traveled all the 
journey with the train, that this, and the display at 
llichmond, was not exclled in taste and appropriateness 
by anything that had been witnessed. There was a 
solemn earnestness depicted on the countenance of the 
Indiana patriots, and tlie sentence seemed to be writ- 
ten as if in '' burnished rows of steel," that though 
Lincoln had died, the republic should live. 

Dublin, Ind., 4:30 a. m., Sunday, April 30. The 
platform and sides of the track were lined with peo- 
ple whose looks and actions bespoke their deep grief 
A neat and beautiful arch, entwined with evergreens 
and mourning emblems, was erected for the train to 
pass under. The depot was artistically draped, and on 
the right was a large flag. In a conspicuous place there 
was a portrait of the martyred President entwined with 
evergreens and roses. Dublin is a town of about fif- 
teen hundred inhabitants, and was the last station 
passed in Wayne county, which has been largely under 
Quaker influence from its first settlements, and, although 
you would see but little of the outward sign of that 
peculiar people, their principles are nowhere more de- 
cidedly felt than at this place. There has never been 
a whisky-shop in the town, and it is a remarkable co- 
incidence that for many years the Republican ticket 
has been voted unanimously — not a single one on the 
other side. I well remember the amusement created 
at Richmond, in the same county, on the evening of 
the Presidential election, in 1864. As the reports came 
in by telegraph they were posted on an illuminated 
bulletin. Among the earliest Avas, 

Dublin, For Tincoln, 2G9 

For McClellan, 

Majority for Lincoln, 2G9 

At Lewisville, Rayville, Knightstown, Charlottes- 
viHe, Greenfield, Philadelphia and Cumberland, mourn- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 183 

ing emblems and other demonstrations of sorrow were 
everywhere visible. 

Indianapolis, seven o'clock, a. m., Sunday, April 
30, 1865. The funeral cortege arrived at this hour 
with all that was mortal of Abraham I^incoln. The 
avenues leading to the depot were closely packed 
with people. The military organizations Avere in line 
from the depot to the State House. The corpse was 
taken in charge by a local guard of soldiers, and con- 
veyed to a very large and magnificent hearse, prepared 
especially for the occasion. It was drawn by eight 
white horses, six of them having been attached to the 
carriage in which the President elect rode, on his way 
to Washington, four years before. By the time the 
procession was ready to move, rain commenced falling. 
The arrival of the train was announced by the firing 
of artillery and tolling of bells throughout the city, 
and this continued until the hearse arrived at the State 
House. The body was conveyed to the interior of the 
building, and soon after exposed to view. 

The Sabbath school children were first admitted, and 
then ladies and citizens generally passed through the 
Capitol and viewed the remains. At many of the 
streets intended to be crossed by the procession were 
triple arches, adorned with evergreens and national 
flags. Great preparations had been made in draping 
the city in mourning. It included public buildings, 
business houses and private residences of all classes. 
The threatening rain deterred many from ornamenting 
their buildings wlio would otherwise have done so, and 
the torrents of water sadly marred what had been done. 

Tlie rain prevented many of the organizations from 
turning out that had provided themselves with banners 
bearing appro})riate inscriptions. The colored Masons, 
in their appropriate clothing, and colored citizens gen- 
erally turned out in procession and visited the remains 
in a body. At the, head of their procession they car- 
ried the Emancipation Proclamation. At intervals 



184 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

banners were seen l)earing, among others, the following 
inscriptions : 

" Colored men always Loyal." 



' Lincoln, Martyr of Liberty." 



'He lives in ourliiemories.' 



" Slavery is Dead! " 



The City Councils of Cincinnati, Louisville and 
Covington, with Governor Bramlette and many otlier 
distinguished personages from Kentucky, and from 
nearly all the towns and cities of Indiana, were in In- 
dianapolis, to take part in a grand military and civic 
demonstration. It was expected that the procession 
would march early in the day, and that Governor Mor- 
ton would deliver a funeral oration at the Capitol in 
the afternoon. Every railroad train for the previous 
twenty-four hours brought in its thousands, but the 
incessant rain prevented the programme from being 
carried out. All tliat could be done was to pay their 
silent respects to the remains. A constant stream of 
spectators continued to file past the coffin until near 
midnight, when it was escorted back to the de])ot, and, 
like the star of empire, continued its westward course. 

A time table was prepared, and rules and regulations 
adopted, at Indianapolis, for running the train from 
that city to Chicago. The paper was signed by an 
oflficer of each of the three roads over which the train 
was to pass — the Indianapolis ct Lafavette, the I^ouis- 
villc, New Albany & Chicago, from Ijafayette to ^Slichi- 
gan City, and the Michigan Central from ^lichigan 
City to Chicago. As a sample of the way the train 



AND THE XATIOXAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 185 

was run during the whole journey, I omit the time 
table, but insert here the 

RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

1. The figures in Tabic represent tlie time upon wliieli the Pi 
lot Engine is to be run, and tiie fiiuiral train will follow, leaving 
each station te?i minutes behind the figures of this table. 

3. The funeral train will pass stations at a speed not exceeding 
jive miles an Jiour, the euginenian tolling his bell as the train passes 
through the station and town. 

3. Telegraph offices upon the entire route will be kept open 
during the passage of the funeral train, and as soon as the train 
has passed a station the operator will at once give notice to that ef- 
fect to the next telegraph station. 

4. The pilot engine will pass no telegraph station without first 
getting information of funeral train having paseed the last pre- 
ceding telegraph station, coming to a full stop for that informa- 
tion, if necessary. 

5. Upon the entire route a safety signal will be shown at each 
switch and bridge, and at entrance upon each curve, indicating 
that all is safe for the passage of pilot and train — each man in 
charge of a signal knowing personally such to be the case, so far 
as his foresight can provide for it. The signal from Indianapolis, 
until reaching broad daylight, to be a ichite light, and from that point 
to Chicago, a tcJute flag, draped. 

t). The euginenian in charge of pilot engine will carry two red 
lights in the night, and an American flag, draped, during daylight, 
indicating that a train is following, and will also provide them- 
selves with red lights, flags and extra men, to give imnwdiate 7iotice 
to the funeral train, in case of meeting with anything on the route 
causing delay or detention. 

7. The euginemen in charge of the funeral train will keep a 
sharp lookout for the pilot engine and its signals. 

8. The pilot and funeral train will have entire right to the line 
during its passage, and all engines and trains of every description 
will be kept out of the way. 

9. Each road forming the route will run its train upon its own 
standard time. 



CHAPTER XX. 



Notwithstanding the train departed in the middle of 
the night from Indiana])oli.s, formidable demonstra- 
tions were made at Augusta, Zionsville, Whitestown, 
Lebanon, Hazelrigg, Thorntown, Colfax, Stockwell 
and many other points. The depots were draped in 
mourning and other insignia of sorrow were visible, in 
the liglit of bonfires and torches ; but the people were 
assembled in large numbers at every point, to witness 
the great funeral train. 

Arrived at Lafayette at three o'clock and thirty-five 
minutes, Monday morning, May 1. It was known 
that the train would stop at this place but a few min- 
utes, but it appeared to those on board as if all the 
inhabitants of the city, and from many miles of the 
surrounding country, were there. The depot was draped 
in mourning, and the surrounding scene well lighted. 
The bells of the city were tolled, and other manifesta- 
tions of sorrow were visible. 

From Lafayette, the stations of Tippecanoe Battle 
Ground, Brookston, Chalmers, Eeynolds, Bradford, 
Francisville, Medary ville, Kankakee, LaCrosse, Wana- 
tah, Westville, Lacroix and many other towns, the 
depots were draped, and the people in many wavs 
demonstrated their sorrow for the loss of our Chief 
IMagistrate. 

Michigan City, Indiana, eight o'clock a. m., May L 
A bountiful breakfast was prepared for the entire fu- 
neral ])arty, in the main station house. Thirty-six 
young ladies, representing the States of the Union, 
and one representing the Goddess of Uberty, appeared 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT, 187 

in appropriate costumes, and with a large number of 
other kidies, appropriated the time assigned to the fu- 
neral party for breakfast, in passing through the hearse 
car to look on the coffin containing the remains of the 
martyred President. 

The funeral train approached the depot under a 
large triple arch, which was surmounted by a tall flag- 
staff, bearing the national colors trimmed with mourn- 
ing, at half-mast. Portraits of the illustrious deceased 
were suspended from the centre of each arch, wreathed 
in evergreens, and surrounded by draped flags and 
other insignia of sorrow. Among the mottoes dis- 
played, were the following : 

" Noblest martyr to Freedom ; sacred thy dust ; liallowed tliy 
resting place." 



"With tears we resign thee to God and History.' 



" The purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail." 

" Our guiding star has fallen ; our nation mourns." 

Here the funeral escort were joined by the Hon. 
Schuyler Colfax and friends, and the citizen's com- 
mittee of one hundred, who came out from Chicago on 
a special train. After all had partaken of breakfast, 
the train started for Chicago, at 8:35 a. m., over the 
Michigan Central Railroad. 

Arrived at Chicago at 11 o'clock a. m., Monday, 
May 1. The train did not run to the Union depot, 
but stopped a little more than one mile south, Avhere a 
temporary |)latform had been prepared, opposite Park 
Place, a short street running from the lake shore one 
square west, to Michigan avenue. Park Place is one 
square north of Twelfth street, and is between that 
street and Lake Park. 



188 THE GEKAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Across the foot of Park Place a magnificent Funeral 
Arch had been erected. It was built of wood, in the 
Gothic style of architecture, and consisted of a central 
arch thirty feet high in the clear, and twenty-four feet 
wide, and two side arches, each eight feet wide in the 
clear, and twenty feet high. The three arches and 
their abutments, or columns, made a total width of fifty- 
OHie feet. The total height of the central arch and 
turrets was about forty feet. 

This grand triple arch had two fronts, one east, the 
other west. Fifty American flags, with mourning 
drapery interwoven, were used in decorating the arches. 
Busts and portraits of Lincoln were placed conspicu- 
ously upon the arches. Two figures of an American 
eagle were placed near the apex of the central arch — 
that on the east front folding its wings, as if at rest, 
and the one on the west with wings extended, as if in 
the act of taking flight. All three of the arches had 
inscriptions on each front. Those on the east or lake 
side were : 

" Our Union; cemented in patriot blood shall stand forever." 



• An honest man is the noblest work of God. 



"The poor man's champion; the people mourn him.' 
On the west front : 

"We honor him dead, who honored us while livinir." 



Rest in peace noble soul, patriot heart. 



"Faithful to riuht, a niartj-r to justice." 
Beneath the central arch was a platform or dais. 



AND THE NATIOXAT. LINCOLN :\rOXUMENT. 189 

The dais was covered with bhick velvet, ornamented 
with silver fringe, and fastened with silver stars. Black 
velvet hung in festoons on all sides, reaching nearly 
to the ground. It was sufficiently elevated for those 
at a distance to view it over the heads of the surround- 
ing multitude. The area around the dais was large 
enough to afford standing room for many thousands. 
This area was filled to its utmost capacity long before 
the hour of the expected arrival. 

AVhen the funeral train arrived at Park Place, a sig- 
nal gun was fired, and the tolling of the bell on the 
Court House announced the news to the citizens, but 
there were already thousands and thousands of peo])le 
congregated in the vicinity of the funeral arch. The 
vast multitude stood in profound silence, and rever- 
ently uncovered their heads as the coffin was borne to 
the dais beneath the grand arch, wdiile the great West- 
ern Light Guard Band performed the Lincoln Re- 
quiem, composed for the occasion. Thirty-six young 
lady pupils of the High School, dressed in white and 
banded with crape, then walked around the bier and 
each deposited an immortelle on the coffin as she 
passed. The coffin was then placed in the funeral car 
or hearse, prepared expressly for the occasion, and the 
funeral cortege passed out of Park Place into Michigan 
avenue, and fell into procession in something like the 
following order : 

Police. 

Band of music playing the Lincoln Requiem. 

Chief Marshal Col. R. M. Hough and Major General .Joseph 

Hooker. 

Assistant Marshal Col. J. L. Hancock, and Superintendent of 

Police, William Turtle. 

Major General Alfred Sully and staff. 

Brigadier General N. B. Buford and staff. 

Brigadier General J. B. Sweet and staff; and 

Military Band. 



190 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

Eighth Veteran Reserve Corps, Lieut. Col. Skinner, and four 

hundred men, with arms reversed, and in mourning. 

Military Band. 

Fifteenth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, Lieut Col. Martin 

Flood commanding, with four hundred men, arms 

reversed and in mourning. 

PALL BEARERS. *^ PALL BEARERS. 

Hon. Lyman Trumbull, *^ Hon. Thomas Drummoud, 

Hon. John Wentworth, g Lt. Gov. AVilliam Bross, 

Hon. F. C. Sherman, ^ Hon. J. B. Rice, 

Hon. E. C. Larned, ^ Hon. S. W. Fuller, 

Hon. F. A. Hofiniau, ^ Hon. T. B. Bryan, 

Hon. J. R. Jones, .^ Hon. J. Young Scammou. 

Militar}' Escort. 
Capt. James McComly, of the 9th Veteran Reserve Corps ; First 
Lieutenant J. R. Durkee, 7th U. S. L; Second Lieutenant E. 
Murphy, 10th U. S. I. ; and twenty-five sergeants of the Veteran 
Reserve Corps. 

Guard of Honor, 
Consisting of the general officers appointed by the Secretary of 
"War to accompany the remains from Washington to Springfield, 
Illinois. 

Two carriages contained the relatives and family friends. In 
the first, rode the Rev. Dr. Gurley, pastor, and Ninian \V. Ed- 
Avards and C. M. Smith, the two latter brothers in-law of the Presi- 
dent. In the second, rode Judge David Davis, of the U. S. Su- 
preme Court; General W. W. Orme, and W. H. Hanna, Esq. 
Illinois Delegation. 
Gov. R. J. Oglesby, Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Hon. Shelby M. 
CuUom, Hon. D. L. Phillips, W. H. Hanna, Adjutant General 
Isham N. Haynie, Col. James H. Bowen, E. F. Leonard, Dr. S. 
H. Melvin, Hon. O. M. Hatch, Col. John Williams. 
Congressional Committee. 
Senator Nye, of Nevada; Senator Williams, of Oregon; Sena- 
tor H. S. Lane, of Indiana; Senator J. H. Lane, of Kansas; Sena- 
tors Howe and Doolittle, of Wisconsin; and George T. Brown, 
Sergeant-at-Arms of the U. S. Senate. Hon. Schuyler Colf^ix, 
Speaker U. S. House of Representatives ; Hon. E. B. AVashburn, 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 191 

lion. B. C. Cook, Hon. J. O. Norton, the three latter from Illinois ; 
Hon. J. K. Morehead and Hon. Joseph Bailey, of Pennsylvania; 
Hon. J. C. Sloan, of Wisconsin; Hon. J. F. Wilson, of Iowa; 
Hon. J. H. Farquiiar, of Indiana; Hon. Sydney Clarke, of Kan- 
sas; Hon. Thomas B. Shannon, of California; Hon. Charles^ E. 
Plielps, of Mar3dand; Hon. Samuel Hooper, of Massachusetts; 
Hon. T. W. Ferry, of Michigan ; Hon. W. A. Newell, of New 
Jersey; Hon. N. G. Ordway, Sergeant-at-Arms U. S. House of 
Representatives. 

Gov. O. P. Morton and staff, of Indiana; Governor W. H. Wal- 
lace, of Idaho Territory; and Gov. William Pickering, of Wash- 
ington Territory. 

Representatives of the Press. 

L. A. Gobright, of Washington City, and C. R. Morgan, both of 
the Associated Press; Dr. Adonis, of the Chicago Tribune; C. H. 
Page, of the New York Tribune; U. H. Painter, of tlie Philadel- 
phia Inquirer; and G. B. Woods, of the Boston Daily Adcertiser. 

Committee of One Hundred, 
Appointed by the City Council of Chicago, " to proceed to Michi- 
gan City, to receive the remains of President Lincoln, escort 
them to Chicago, and accompany them to Springfield." The fol- 
lowing catalogue contains the names of all the members of the 
committee : 

Ex-Mayors B. W. Raymond, J. L. Milliken, James H. Wood- 
worth, J. S. Rumsey, Charles M. Gray, John C. Haines, Alexander 
Lloyd, and A. S. Sherman ; Charles Randolph, N. K. Fairbanks, 
J. S. Brownson, John C. Dore, John F. Bcatty, Stephen Clary, 
C. J. Wheeler, J. Maple, S. S. Hayes, Mancel Talcott, N. W. 
Huntley, Aaron Gibbs, Judge J. B. Bradwell, Judge E. S. Wil- 
liams, Judge E. Van Buren, H. T. Dickey, John Kinzie, H. D. Col- 
vin, Thomas Hcyne, Elliot Anthony, Ira Y. Munu, O. S. Hough, 
Chas. H.Walker, D. R. Holt, W. D. Houghtelling, G. S. Hubbard, 
R. McChesney, Samuel Howe, I. Lawsou, B. E. Gallup, J. K. Bots- 
ford, A. B. Johnson, Judge Jos. E. Geary, J. M. Watson, Judge Van 
H. Higgins, W. B. Brown, Mark Skinner, John Alston, S. P. A. 
Healey, James H. Goodsell, George M. Kimbark, Wm. Waymau, 
E. H. Sargent, C. G. Hammond, George C. Bates, Samuel Hoard, 
Peter Page, W. H. Bradley, L. P. Hilliard,Dr. William Wagner, 
J. S. Grindell, George Anderson, U. P. Harris, Dr. J. V. Z. Blaney, 



192 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

J. L. aiaish, J. H. McVicluT, W. F. Tucker, Dr. J. P. Lyun, J. H. 
Burnham, James Nulteii, B. J. Patrick, Dr. D. Braiiiard, Matthew 
Lafliu, Joliii B. Turner, S. B. Cobb, W. \Y. Boyingtou, Isaac Speer, 
James W. Slieahau, Robert Hervey, M. L. Sykes, John B. Drake, 
John L.Wilson, Luther Haven, George Schneider, W. L. Cliurch, 
John A. Wilson, Jacob Rehm, H. W. Bigelow, A. H. Blackall, 
Charles L. Wilson, Joseph Medill, A. C. Hesiug, J. H. Field, 
E. W. Blatchford, T. S. Blackstoue, Gen. Julius White, Capt. 
James Smith, J. V. Farwell, Robert H. Foss, L. Brentano, Wm. 
James, James Long, S. A. Goodwin, J. M. Vau Osdel, M. W. 
Fuller. 

Charles L. Wilson was Chairman of the Committee of One 
Hundred, and Col. James H. Bowen and U. P. Harris, Marshals. 

Next came the Wisconsin Delegation, consisting of Gov. Lewis 
and other State oflBcers, the Mayor and Couucilmen of the city 
of Madison, and several hundred citizens. 

After the Wisconsin Delegation, came a body of about fifty 
clergymen — all the principal denominations being represented. 

The remainder of the procession was separated into 
five grand divisions, each under a marshal, with a staff 
or corps of aids. The procession was made up of soci- 
eties of ahuost every kind known to the country. 
Military organizations innumerable ; Board of Trade ; 
Mercantile Association ; about one thousand Free 
Masons, and as many Odd Fellows, aj^peared in the 
line. Then there were Union Leagues, Fenian Soci- 
eties, and many Roman Catholic Societies, Hebrew 
Societies, Trades Societies and Unions, students of 
Chicago University, Druids and societies belonging to 
citizens from European countries, such as the Holland 
and Belgian Society, French Benevolent Society, Ger- 
man Societies in large numbers, Scandinavian, Bohe- 
mian, Irish, English and others. About four hundred 
colored citizens bearing the mottoes : 

" We mourn our loss," 
" Rest iu peace, with a nation's tears." 






t^ 




tr ir 



Fold-out 
Placeholder 



This fold-out is being digitized, and will be inserted at a 
future date. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 193 

The Chicago Fire Department brought up the rear. 

It is worthy of remark, that of the military who 
took part in the funeral honors, there was a full regi- 
ment of infantry, which was composed of men who 
had been in the rebel army, and, after taking the oath 
of allegiance, at the several prison camps, were re- 
cruited into the government service. 

To attempt a detailed description of the procession 
would only result in failure. It was a wilderness of 
banners and flags, with their mottoes and inscriptions. 
The estimated number of persons in line was thirty- 
seven thousand, and there were three times as many 
more who witnessed the procession by crowding into 
the streets bordering on the line of march, making 
about one hundred and fifty thousand who were on the 
streets of Chicago that day, to add their tribute of re- 
spect to the memory of Abraham Lincoln. 

The line of march was from the Lake shore, at the 
foot of Park Row, or Park Place, west on that street 
to ISIichigan avenue, thence north on Michigan avenue 
to Lake street, west on Lake to Clark street, south on 
Clark to the east gate of the Court House square, 
and inside the square to the south door of the Court 
House. The remains reached the Court House at a 
quarter before one o'clock, passing in under the in- 
scription : 

" Illinois clasps to her bosom her slaiu aud glorified son." 

Over the north door was inscribed : 

" The beauty of Israel is slain upon her high places." 

A gorgeous catafalque had been erected in the centre 
of the rotunda, directly beneath the dome. The coffin 
was placed on the platform or dais within the cata- 
falque, and the entire procession passed through the 
rotunda in the order observed in marching through 
the streets. This was done before the cofiin was 
13 



194 THE GEE AT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

opened. The embalmers and assistants spent a short 
time in preparing the remains, and the people were ad- 
mitted. By midnight, it was estimated that forty 
thousand people })assed through the Court House and 
looked upon the face of the dead President. 

Whilst the people are tiling past the remains, we will 
leave them and go back to review the route of the pro- 
cession from its starting point to the Court House. 
The whole distance was guarded on either side by 
strong ropes, stretched along near the outer edge of 
the side walks. The streets were occupied entirely by 
the procession, and the side walks by spectators. The 
grand triple arch, with its inscriptions and mourning 
decorations, has been described. The residences and 
business houses, on either side of the streets along 
which the cortege moved, were among the finest build- 
ings of their kind in the world, and their owners had 
been lavish in the expenditure of money in draping 
them with mourning insignia and otherwise decorating 
them. Language would utterly fail to describe this 
part of the scene, and I shall content myself by quoting 
a small number of the hundreds of mottoes displayed 
and in describing some of these houses. 

" Mournfully, tenderly, bear on the dead." 



" Our Country's Martyr." 

The mansion of Lieutenant Governor Bross was 
beautifully draped with black and white crape, inter- 
woven with the national colors. 

The mansion of Hon. J. Y. Scammon bore on its 
front a bust of Abraham Lincoln, surrounded with 
wreaths of immortelles, and surmounted on the back 
ground by a cherub. The anchor of Hope was beauti- 
fully arranged among the mourning drapery. 

On another house was displayed the motto : 

" Wc mouru our beloved President." 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN ^MONUMENT. 195 

The residence of Bishop Duggan, of the Homan 
Catholic Church, displayed the national flags of Ireland 
and America intertwined. 

Other houses bore such inscriptions as the following : 

" In sorrowing grief, the nation's tears are spent, 
Humanity has lost a friend, and we a President." 



" Bear him gently to his rest." 

Beneath a marble bust of the President, surrounded 
by thirty -six golden stars, was inscribed : 

" We loved him much, hut now we love liim more." 

One of the banners bore the inscription : 

" Ours the cross — Thine tlie crown." 

On a banner hanging over a bust of Lincoln was : 

" Freedom's nohlest sacrifice." 

At the Soldiers' Rest, this quotation was displayed : 

" EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION." 

" Upon this act, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, 
and the gracious favor of Almighty God." 

And there were many others, such as : 

" To Union may our heartfelt call 
And brotherly love attune us all." 



Nations swell thy funeral cry.' 



Young, old, high and low, 
The same devotion show.' 



196 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

" And over the cofEu mau plauteth hope." 



" Though dead, he yet speaketh.' 



" He won the wreath of fame, 
And Avrote on Memory's scroll a deathless 



" Look how honor glorifies the dead.' 



" Know ye not that a great man has fallen this day in Israel." 



" The great Emancipator.' 



" He left us sustained b}^ our prayers, 
He returns embalmed la our tears." 

I might continue these quotations ahnost indefinitely, 
but I have given enough to indicate the spirit that per- 
vaded all hearts. Thousands and tens of thousands of 
dollars were expended in decorating the buildings with 
mourning drapery. The triple arch was designed, con- 
structed and decorated under the superintendence of 
the well known architect, W. AV. Boyington. The 
decorations at the Court House were designed and 
executed under the superintendence of the other equally 
well known architect, J. M. Yan Osdel. The cata- 
falque was equal in design, execution and costliness of 
material, to any that have been described. To attempt 
a minute description would only bewilder the under- 
standing. 

Solemn music, both vocal and instrumental, was per- 
formed at intervals during the entire night. At mid- 
night, several hundred (Jerman voices chanted a re- 
quiem in the rotunda with thrilling effect. Brigadier 
General Sweet appointed a guard of honor from the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 197 

Veteran Reserve Corps, to relieve those who had acted 
in tht^t capacitv from Washington. Their services 
svere not required, for the reason that fifty Illinois offi- 
cers, formerly serving in the army and navy, had 
already tendered their services, through Gen. Julius 
White, to act as Guard of Honor to the remains while 
in Chicago, and had been accepted by Gen. Townsend. 
Thev were appointed as follows : 

First relief, Col. Edward Daniels ; second relief. Col. 
Hasbrouck Davis ; third relief, Lieut. Col. Arthur C. 
Ducat; fourth relief, Capt. R. L. Law, U. S. N. 

Each officer of relief had nine officers under him, 
who, for the time, acted as Guard of Honor. The 
following was the full guard : 

Col. Hasbrouck D.avis, Col. Edward Daniels, Lieut. Col. Arthur 
C. Ducat, Capt. R. L. Law, U. S. N. ; Lieut. Col. T. W. Grosveuor, 
Lieut. Col. S. McClevy, Maj. M. Tbiemau, Maj. Johu McCarthy, 
Maj. J. B. Kimball, Chief Engineer, U. S. N. ; Maj. Walter B. 
Scates, Maj. Cliarles Ehoou, Brev. Maj. L. Bridges ; Captains W. S. 
Swayne, James Dugane, F. Busse, Edward Went, Z. B. Greeulcaf, 
Henry Konkle, John McAssen, Samuel A. Love, G. W. Hills, 
H. S. Goodspeed, R. N. Haydeu, J. M. Leish, B. A. Busse, P. H. 
Adolph, J. G. Langgarth, C. G. Adoc, Wm. Cunningham; Lieu- 
tenants N. S. Boutou, C. George, W. P. Barclay, M. Shields, J. S. 
Mitchell, G. S. Bigelow, R. J. Bellamy, R. S. Sheridan, Harry 
Briggs, F. A. Munge, J. H. Hills, A. Russell, C. H. Gladding. 

The skill and cool judgment of Col. R. M. Hough, 
in handling forty thousand men in the crowded streets 
of a city like Chicago, was equal to managing twice 
the number on open ground, and Avon the praise of all 
the military men who participated in the procession. 
A citizen of Chicago, while the people were pouring 
through the Court House by tliousands, to look at the 
remains of Abraham Lincoln, was heard to say : 

" I have seen three deceased Kings of England lying 
in state, but never have witnessed a demonstration so 



198 THE GEE AT FUNEEAL COETEGE, 

vast in its proportions, so unanimous and spontaneous, 
as that which has been evoked by the arrival in the 
city of the remains of the fallen President." 

The three kings referred to were, George the Third, 
who, after a reign of sixty years, died in the eighty- 
third year of his age, January 29, 1820 ; George the 
Fourth, who died "june 26, 1830; and William the 
Fourth, who died June 20, 1837, and was succeeded 
by his niece. Queen Victoria. 

The Chicago Times of May 3, speaking of the mani- 
festations of sorrow and respect, says : 

" The bitterest of his political opponents in life, vied with his 
warmest adherents in speaking words of appreciation and esteem. 
Some of the most touching and characteristic reminiscences of his 
personal traits, and of his private deeds, were contributed with 
tearful ej^e and broken voice by his former opponents. 

"All joined heartily and liberally in preparation for the cere- 
monies, which yesterday and the day before were to put the seal 
of the people's approbation on his character and acts in the eye 
of the world. If men no longer went about their preparations 
with heavy and o'erburdeued hearts, they did so with subdued 
and kindly ones. All was done with a tenderness more touching 
than the most uncontrollable passion of grief could be. When 
the sacred remains were brought through the streets and deposited 
in the keeping of the people of the city, there were no downcast 
countenances, but none that were not sad and pitiful. Tliere 
were no loud voices in the unnumbered throngs. Men expressed 
themselves in subdued tones, and often nothing would be heard 
but the indescribable murmur of ten thousand voices, modulated 
to a whisper, and the careful tread of countless feet on the damp 
pavement of the streets. It was the entire population of a great 
city in mourning, conscious of what was due alike to herself and 
the honored dead." 

After having been exposed to view from four o'clock 
p. m.. May 1, to eight p. m., ]\Iay 2, the scene was 
closed by the Court House doors shutting out the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUAfENT. 199 

throng that was still pouring in. At half-past eight 
the Court House was cleared of all except the guard 
and the choir. The coffin was then closed and borne 
upon the shoulders of the Sergeants of the Veteran 
Reserve Corps down the south steps to the funeral car. 
The Light Guard Band performed a requiem as the 
remains were being transferred. An immense proces- 
sion, bearing about three thousand torches, was already 
in line, to escort the remains to the depot. At a quar- 
ter before nine o'clock, it moved to the time of numer- 
ous bands of music. The route lay west on Washing- 
ton street to Market, south on Market to INIadison, 
west on Madison, by the Madison street bridge, to 
Canal street, on the west side, thence south on Canal 
street to the depot of the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis 
Railroad. While the preparations for starting were in 
progress, the choir continued to sing funeral dirges, 
and the twenty -five Sergeants of the the Veteran Re- 
serve Corps stood around the funeral car with drawn 
swords. At half-past nine o'clock, the funeral cortege 
moved slowly out of the depot to the strains of a fu- 
neral march by the band, while the bells of the city 
tolled a solenni farewell to all that was mortal of 
Abraham I^incoln. 

Some idea may be formed of the princely style of 
the reception and passage of the funeral cortege through 
Chicago, from the fact that the City Council paid bills 
for expenses incurred in erecting the funeral arch at 
Park Place, and decorating the Court House, to tlie 
amount of about fifteen thousand dollars. This was 
probably not more than a tithe of the total expendi- 
ture by citizens and asssociations. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



The remains had tarried so long at Chicago, while 
such extensive preparations were in progress at 
Springfield, it Avould not have been surprising if 
the people along the line had contented themselves 
with visiting one or the other of those places, and 
had omitted any demonstrations at the respective 
towns and cities along the route, but the love in the 
hearts of the people of Illinois for the memory of 
Abraham Lincoln would not permit them to be so 
easily satisfied. 

At Bridgeport, in the very suburbs of Chicago, the 
people had kindled bonfires, and with torches lighted 
the way as the train moved slowly along. Crowds of 
spectators were at Summit and Willow Springs stations, 
and at the town of Lemont. 

Lockport, 11:33 p. m., Tuesday, ]\Iay 2. An im- 
mense bonfire was burning, minute guns firing, and 
the track lined with people holding torches. The 
glare of light revealed the mourning drapery on almost 
every building, and many mottoes expressive of the 
feelings of the ]ieople. Xone elicited more sympathetic 
feeling than the simple words, 

" Come Home," 

.Toliet. It was midnight and raining. At least 
twelve thousand peo])le were assemble<l at the depot. 
Bonfires lighted up the scene, and the cortege was 
greeted by minute guns, tolling of bells, and funeral 
dirges by a band of music. An immense arch spanned 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 201 

the track, decked with flags, evergreens and the insignia 
of mourning. The arch was surmounted by a figure 
representing the Genius of America, weeping. Among 
the mottoes, the most impressive was, 

"Cliiiinpioii, ck'fcuder aud m:ii-t}'i- of liberty." 

As the train moved away, a number of ladies and 
gentlemen, on an elevated platform, were singing, 

" Tliere is rest for thee in lieaven." 

At Elwood and Hampton — both very small places — 
the people had kindled large bonfires to enable them to 
take a passing view of the funeral train. 

AVilmington, one o'clock, a. m., Wednesday, May 3. 
Minute guns announced the arrival of the train, and a 
line of men with torches was draAvn up on each side 
of the track. The depot Avas draped in mourning and 
about two thousand people were present to view the 
grand funeral cortege. 

At Gardner all the houses to be seen were draped in 
mourning and illuminated, while crowds of people were 
at the depot. 

Dwight, two o'clock, a. m.. May 3. Minute guns 
and the tolling of bells announced the arrival of the 
cortege. The American flag was displayed, and all 
the buildings in view were draped in mourning. 
The entire population appeared to be out of doors de- 
sirous to pay their respects to the memory of Lincoln. 
Some of the escort recognized this as the place where 
the Prince of Wales and his royal party were enter- 
tained. 

iMinute guns, tolling of bells, bonfires, funeral dirges 
and the insignia of mourning made up the demon- 
strations at Odell, Cayuga, Pontiac, Chenoa and Lex- 
ington. 

Towanda, 4:30 a. m.. May 3. A large assemblage 
of people were at the depot anxious to testifv their sor- 
row and respect for the distinguished martyr. This is 
the highest point between Chicago and St. Louis, being 



202 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

one Imndred and twenty-eight feet above the water of 
Lake Michigan. 

Bloomington, five o'clock, a. m., May 3. A large 
arch over the track bears the inscription, " Go to thy 
Rest." The depot was handsomely draped in monrn- 
ing, and about five thousand persons were assembled 
to testify their resj^ect for the distinguished statesman. 
There Avould, no doubt, have been greater demonstra- 
tions at Bloomington, but a considerable number of the 
citizens visited Chicago, and a very large delegation 
had already gone, or were then on the point of going 
to Springfield to participate in the procession and other 
demonstrations of respect and mourning. 

At Shirley, a large number of people were present, 
with sad countenances, to view the imposing funeral 
cortege as it glided by. 

At McLean, minute guns, tolling bells, and singing 
by a choir of ladies contributed with mournful effect 
to the occasion, which called out almost the entire 
population, 

Atlanta, six o'clock, a. m.. May 3. Minute guns and 
the fife and muffled drum greeted the funeral cortege 
at this place, just as the sun arose in splendor over the 
beautiful prairies. A large number of people had as- 
sembled, and portraits of Abraham Lincoln with em- 
blems of mourning were everywhere visible. Among 
the mottoes were, 

"M()urnfull_y, tenderl}', bear him to liis grave." 



He saved our country and freed a race." 



Lincoln, 111., 7 a. m., May 3. This town was 
named for Abraham Lincoln, by some personal friends 
before he was known to fame. The depot was appro- 
priately draped in mourning, and ladies dressed in 
white, trimmed with black, sang a requiem as the train 
passed under a handsomely constructed arch, on each 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 203 

column of which was a portrait of the deceased Presi- 
dent. The arch bore as a motto : 

" With malice to none, with chiirity for all." 

The national colors were prominently displayed, and a 
profusion of evergreens, with black and white drapings, 
completed the artistic decorations. 

At Elkhart, a beautiful arch spanned the track, orna- 
mented with evergreens and national flags, all draped 
in mourning. The arch was surmounted by a cross 
formed of evergreens and bearing the motto : 

" Ours the cross, thiue the crown." 

At Williarasville, the houses were nearly all draped 
in mourning, with a profuse display of small flags and 
portraits of the late President. An arch spanned the 
track here, also, which bore the inscription : 

"He has fulfilled his mission." 

Springfield, 111., 9 a. m., Wednesday, May 3, 1865. 
The train arrived one hour later than schedule time, 
so little did it deviate from the time table arranged be- 
fore leaving Washington twelve days previous. The 
trains on all the roads for the twenty-four hours before 
the expected arrival of the funeral cortege, brought in 
passengers by thousands. The greatest anxiety was 
manifested by the people to be present at the recejition 
of the remains of Abraham Lincoln. Long previous 
to the time appointed for their arrival, crowds were col- 
lected at the depot of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, 
and extended along the line of the road several squares 
north. Every building in the vicinity was covered 
with spectators. Hundreds of men who could not 
find standing or sitting room near the depot, walked 
u]i Fourth and Fifth streets to the crossing near the 
northern limits of the city. Every class of people was 



204 THE GEEAT FUNERAL COETEGE, 

represented in the assembled multitude. Minute guns 
were fired by a section of Batter}- K, Second Missouri 
Light Artillery. A few minutes before nine o'clock, 
the pilot engine made its appearance. The ten minutes 
between its arrival and that of the funeral train, were 
occupied by Gen. Cook in bringing to their proper pla- 
ces the committee of reception, members of the several 
delegations, the military and the civic societies. 

As soon as the funeral car came along side of the 
depot, the coffin was transferred to the beautiful hearse 
which had been tendered for the occasion by Messrs. 
Lynch & Arnot, of St. Louis, through mayor Thomas 
of that city, and accepted by mayor Dennis of Spring- 
field. The hearse was built in Philadelphia, at a cost 
of about six thousand dollars, and was larger and longer 
than the ordinary size. It had been used attlie funeral 
of the Hon. Thomas H. Benton. After the oiler Mas 
accepted, the proprietors had it additionally ornamented 
with a silver plate engraving of the initials "A. L." 
around which was a silver wreath, with two inverted 
torches and thirty -six silver stars, representing the States 
of the Union. It was drawn by six superb black hor- 
ses, draped in mourning, and wearing plumes on their 
crests. The horses belonged to Messrs. Lynch & Arnot 
also, and were driven on this occasion by Mr. A. Arnot, 
without the aid of grooms. 

The procession moved in the following order : 

Brig. Gen. John Cook and staff. 

The 146th regiinoiit Illinois Vohuitecr Infantry, Col. H. H. Deaue; 

one compauj' of the 46th regiment of Wi.sconsiii Volunteer 

Infantry, Capt. Chase, and Company E. Veteran 

Reserve Corps, under Lieut. Cornelius. 

The above organizations were acting as a military funeral escort. 

Band. 

Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker and staff. 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 205 

PALL BEARERS. PALL BEARERS. 

Hou. Jesse K. Dubois, Erastus Wright, Esq. 

Hon. S. T. Logan, ^ Jacob Bunn, Esq. 

Hou. W. F. Elldn, g Chas. W. Matlieiiy, Esq. 

Hou. Gustavus Kceruer, g Capt. James N. Brown, 

Hon. S. H. Treat, • Col. John Williams, 

James L. Lamb, Esq. Dr. Gershom Jayue. 

Guard of Honor. 
Composed of the same general officers who were appointed by 
the Secretary of War to accompany the remains to Springfield. 
Also, the Commissary of Subsistence, Embalmer and Undertaker. 
Relatives aud family friends. 
Among the latter were the Rev. Dr. P. D. Gurley, Pastor of the 
deceased, and Judge David Davis of the U. S. Supreme Court. 

Illinois Delegation, named in another place. 

Cougressioual Committee, or Delegation, named in another place. 

Gentlemeu from Washington, D. C. Hon. Richard Wallach, 

Mayor, aud Col. Ward H. Lamon, U. S. Marshal for the 

District of Columbia. 

[It is worthy of remark here, that three of the men 
who left Springfield with Mr. Lincoln, February 11, 
1861, returned with his remains, viz. : jNEajor General 
David Hunter, Judge David Davis and Col. Ward H. 
Lamon.] 

Members of the Illiuois State Legislature. 
Governors of the different States. 
Delegation from Kentuck3^ 
Chicago Committee of oue hundred. 
Springfield Committee of Reception. 
Judges of the several Courts. 
The Reverend Clerg}^ 
Officers of the Army and Navy then in service or honorably dis- 
charged. 
Civic Societies. 
Citizens generally. 

The procession moved from the depot east on Jeffer- 
son street to Fifth, south on Fifth to Monroe, east on 



206 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Monroe to Sixth, north on Sixth to the State House 
Square, entering through the east gate, and by the north 
door of the State House to Representatives' Hall, in the 
west end of the building, second story, where the cof- 
fin was placed on a dais, within a magnificent catafalque 
prepared for the occasion. 

A few minutes after ten o'clock all being in readi- 
ness, the doors were opened and the vast multitude be- 
gan to file through the hall to view the remains. They 
entered the Capitol at the north door, ascended the 
stairway in the rotunda and entered Representatives' 
Hall at the north door, passed by the catafalque, out at 
the south door, then down the stairway and made their 
exit from the Capitol at the south side. 



CHAPTER XXII 



We will turn our attention for a time from the crowds 
of people, and view the preparations for this reception. 
For ten days a large number of men and women worked 
almost night and day in decorating the State House. 
The whole building was draped in mourning on the 
exterior ; and the rotunda and Representatives' Hall on 
the interior, and the entrance to the Governor's room, 
the rooms of the Secretary of State, Auditor of State 
and Superintendent of Public Instruction. Part of the 
time there were one hundred and iifty persons at work. 
The ladies of Springfield bore their full share in these 
arduous labors. I have been furnished Avith the fol- 
lowing figures by a prominent citizen of this city, who 
prepared some of the designs for decorations. I shall 
not attempt a description of the ornamental work, but 
will give a few facts by which some idea of their gor- 
geous beauty may be conveyed. About fifteen hund- 
red yards of black and white goods were used in the 
decorations, exclusive of the catafalque. In its con- 
struction and decoration, black cloth, black velvet, 
black, blue and white silk and crape, with silver stars 
and silver lace and fringe, were used in the greatest 
profusion. The canopy of the catafalque was made of 
velvet, festooned with satin and silver fringe. It was 
lined on the under side with blue silk, studded with 
silver stars. Three hundred yards of velvet and mourn- 
ing goods, and three hundred yards of silver lace and 
fringe, besides a vast quantity of other materials, were 
used in its construction. Each of the six columns was 
surmounted with a rich plume. 



208 THE GREAT FUXEEAL CORTEGE, 

Evergreens and flowers interwoven with crape, hung 
in festoons from capitals, cohimns and cornices in all 
parts of the building. Two hundred vases of natural 
flowers in full bloom, emitted their fragrance through- 
out the edifice. Nearly all of them were furnished free 
of cost by Michael Doyle, horticulturist, of Springfield. 
Mottoes and inscriptions were displayed at various 
places about the hall, but I can only give place to two 
of them : 

"Washington the Father, Lincoln the Saviour." 



"Rather than surrender that principle I woi;ld be assassinated 
on this spot." 

The Governor's mansion, the old Lincoln residence, 
the military headc{uarters of Gen. Cook and Gen. Oakes, 
were decorated, externally, similar to the State House. 
Of the twenty thousand dollars appropriated by the 
City Council of Springfield, to be expended in prepa- 
rations for the funeral, less than fifteen thousand Avere 
used. Part of it was expended in building the tempo- 
rary vault on the new State House grounds, paying 
railroad charges on some carriages from Jacksonville, 
the hearse from St. Louis, and the expenses of musi- 
cians and the orator ; but much the largest j^ortion of 
the w^iole amount was laid out in decorating the build- 
ings above named. This, however, was only a small 
part of the money thus expended, for the whole city 
was draped in mourning, business houses, private resi- 
dences and all, and in many instances they were as 
richly decorated as the public buildings. 

It was well known that the hotels could not accom- 
modate a tithe of the strangers who would be in attend- 
ance, and private families who could do so, made prepa- 
rations and invited to their houses such as could not 
otherwise be provided for. The six organizations of 
Free Masons in Springfield, viz. : four lodges, one 



AND THE NATIONAL T.TNCOLN MONUMENT. 209 

chapter and one comniaiulorv, made equal a})propria- 
tions from their several treasuries, ]>rocured one of the 
largest halls in the city, tilled it with tables, and kept 
them supplied with well cooked food jirepared by the 
families of their members. This dining hall was in- 
tended to be free to masons only who should be in 
attendance, but many others partook of their bounty 
also. As for sleeping, there was not much of that done 
in Springfield on the night the remains of Abraham 
Lincoln were exposed to view. 

Strangers who were in the city on this occasion for 
the first time, almost invariably visited the former resi- 
dence of Abraham Lincoln, at the north east corner of 
Eighth and Jackson streets. As already stated, it Mas 
elaborately and tastefully decorated with the national 
colors and the insignia of sorrow. The committee of 
escort from Chicago, numbering one hundred — although 
business engagements prevented part of their number 
visiting Springfield — assembled near the residence and 
had their photographs taken in a group, in connection 
with the house, to be preserved as a memorial of their 
mournful visit. The photograph was by an artist from 
Chicago, who accompanied the escort to Springfield for 
the purpose of taking views of the State House, the 
closing scenes at Oak Ridge, and other objects of in- 
terest. 

From the time the coffin was opened, at ten o'clock 
on the morning of May third, there M'as no cessation 
of visitors. All through the still hours of the night, 
no human voices were heard except in subdued tones; 
but the tramp, tramp, of busy feet, as men and women 
filed through the State House, up one flight of stairs, 
through the hall, and down another stairway, testified 
the love and veneration for Abraham Lincoln in the 
hearts of his old friends and neighbors. AVhile the 
closing scenes were being enacted, a choir of two hundred 
and fifty singers, accompanied by I^ebrun's Washington 
band, of twenty performers, from St. Louis, assembled 
14 



210 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

on the steps of the Capitol, and, under the direction of 
Professor Meissner, sang 

" Ptace, troubled soul." 

The coffin was closed at ten o'clock on the morning 
of May 4th, and M-hile it was being conveyed to the 
hearse the choir sang Pleyel's Hymn : 

"CliiUlren of the Heavenly King." 

The funeral procession was then formed in the fol- 
lowing order, under the immediate direction of Major 
General Joseph Hooker, Marsh al-in-Chief: 

Brig. Gen. John Cook and staflf. 
Brig. Geu. James Oakes and staflf. 
Military. 
Funeral Escort. 
First Division. Col. C. M. Prevost, 16th Reg. V. R. C, Mar- 
shal. Aids : Lieut. Thomas B. Beach, A. A. A. Geu. ; Maj. Hor- 
ace Holt, 1st Mass. Heavy Artillery ; Capt. J. C. Rennisou, 15tli 
N. Y. Cavalry ; Capt. E. C. Raymond, 124th 111. Inf. ; Capt. Eddy, 
95th 111. Inf. ; Lieut. H. N. Schlick, 1st N. Y. Dragoons. 

This division consisted entirely of Infantry, Cavalry 
and Artillery. 

Second Bitisioji. Maj. F. Bridgnian, Vay Department, U. S. 
Army, Marshal. Aids: Maj. R. W. McCiaugliry and Maj. W. W. 
White. 

This division was composed of officers and enlisted 
men of the Army and Navy, not otherwise assigned, 
officers in uniform and side arms. 

Maj. Geu. John A. McCleruand was the chief marshal of the 
civic department of the procession. Aids: Lieut. Cr)l. Schwartz, 
Capt. Henry Jaj'ne, Capt. R. Rudolpl/, Capt. Benjamin Ferguson, 
Hon. Charles Keys, W. M. Springer, E. E. Myers, Ed. L. 3Ierritt, 
N. Higgius. 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONTMENT. 211 

The command of Gen. McClcrnand commenced 
witli the 

Third Divixion. Col. Dudky "Wickerslium, of the 1st Army 
Corps, Marshal. Aids: Joshua Rogers, Isaac A. Ilawley, W. F. 
Kimber, J. B. Perkins. 

Marshals of Sections— Col. W. S. Barnum, Capt. A. J. Allen, 
Col. S. N. Hitt, Clinton L. Conkling, Robert, P. Officer, W. Smith 
and Capt. T. G. Barnes. 

Orator of the Day and Officiating Clergymen — Key. Dr. Simp- 
son, Bishop of the M. E. Church and Orator of the Day; llev. Dr. 
Gurley; Rev. Dr. N. W. ]\[iiier; Rev. Dr. Harkey; Rev. Albert 
Hale; Rev. A. C. Hubbard, and others. 

Surgeons and Physicians of the Deceased. 

PALI. BEAKERS. PAI.L HEARERS. 

Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Erastus Wright, Esq. 

Hon. S. T. L<igaii, ^ Hon. J. N. Brown, 

Hon. Gustavus Kcerner, ^ Jacob Bunn, Esq. 

James L. Lamb, Esq. ^ C. W. Matheny, Esq. 

Hon. S. H.' Treat, •''' Elijah Ties, Esq. 

Col. John Williams, Hon. John T. Stuart. 

"Old Bob." or " Robin," the old horse formerlj'' ridden by 
Abraham Lincoln in his political campaigns and law practice, off 
the lines of railroad. He was about sixteen years old, and was led 
by two colored grooms. 

Guard of Honor, in carriages, as follows: Brevet Brig. Gen. E. 
D. Townsend ; Brevet Brig. Gen. Cliarles Thomas; Brig. Gen. A. 
B. Eaton ; Brevet Maj. Gen. J. G. Barnard ; Brig. Gen. G. D. 
Ramsay ; Brig. Gen. A. P. Howe ; Brevet Brig. Gen. D. C. Mc- 
Callum; Maj. Gen. D. Hunter; Brig. Gen. J. C. Caldwell; Brig. 
Gen. Elkin: Rear Admiral C. H. Davis; Capt. W. R. Taylor, U. 
S. Navy ; Maj. T. H. Field, U. S. Marine Corps. 

Relatives and Family Friends, in Carriages. 

Fourth Division. Col. Speed Butler, Marshal. Aids: Maj. 
Robert Allen, Capt. Louis Rosette and Capt. Albert Williams. 

Marshals of Sections— William Bennett, H.W.Ives, Philip C. 
Latham, William V. Roll, K. H. Richardson, J. E. Williams and 
J. D. Crabb. 



212 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Congressional Committe or Delegation. 

Senate — Hon. Messrs. James W. Nye of Nevada, George H. Wil- 
liams of Oregon, Henry S. Lane of Indiana, John B. Henderson 
of Missouri, Lyman Trumbnll and Ricliard Yates of Illinois, Howe 
and Doolittle of Wisconsin, Foote of Vermont, Chandler of 
Michigan, and George T. Brown, Sergeant-at-arms of the U. S. 
Senate. 

IIo^lse of RepreseTitatives — Hon. Schuyler Colfax, Speaker; Hon. 
Messrs. Pike of Maine, Rollins of New Hampshire, Baxter of 
Connecticut, Harris of New York, Cowan of Pennsylvania, Farns- 
"worth, Washburn, Cook, Norton and Arnold, of Illinois, Morehead 
and Bailey of Pennsylvania, Sloan of Wisconsin, Wilson of Iowa, 
Farquhar of Indiana, Clarke of Kansas, Shannon of California, 
Phelps of Maryland, Hooper of Massachusetts, Ferry of INIichi- 
gan, Newell of New Jersey, Whaley of West Virginia, Schenck 
of Ohio, Smith of Kentucky, Ramsay of Minnesota, Hitchcock 
of Nebraska, and S. G. Ordway, Sergeant-at-arms of the U. S. 
House of Representatives. 

Territorial Itepresentatives — Hon. Messrs. Bradford, of Colorado, 
and Weed, of Dacotah. 

A portion of those who are named amons; the Con- 
gressional Delegation did not attend, but of those Avho 
were certainly with the funeral cortege from the begin- 
ning to the end of the journey, were the Hon. ISIessrs. 
AVilliams, of Oregon, Nye, of Nevada, AYashburn, of 
Illinois, Morehead, of Pennsylvania, Hooper, of Massa- 
chusetts, and Schenck, of Ohio. Some of the Mem- 
bers of Congress from Illinois Avere in the 

Illinois Delegation. 

Governor R. J. Oglesby, Hons. Jesse K. Dubois, Shelby M. 
Cullom and D. L. Phillips, Adjt. Gen. Isham N. Haynie, Col. J. 
H. Bowen, W. H. Hanna, E. F. Leonard, Dr. S. H. Melviu, Hon. 
O. M. Hatch, Col. John Williams. 

Governors of States with their suites, and Governors of Terri- 
tories: Oglesby, of Illinois; Bramlette, of Kentuckj"^; Morton, 
of Indiana; Fletcher, of Missouri: Stone, of Iowa; Pickering, of 
Washington Territory, and Wallace, of Idaho Territory. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 213 

Members of the Illinois LegisLiture. 

Kentucky Delegation. 

Chicago Committee of Reception and Escort. 

Fifth Division . Hon. George L. Huntington, Marshal. Aids: 

Dr. S. Babcock, George Shepherd, Charles Ridglej', George 

Latham, Moses B. Condell. 

This division was composed of the municipal authori- 
ties of Springfield, and other cities. 

Sixth Divixion. Hon. W. H. Herndon, Marshal. Aids: P. P 
Enos, C. S. Zane, Dr. T. W. Dre-sser, .Jolui T. Jones, William G. 
Cochrane, James Rayborne, Charles Vincent, Edward Beach, John 
Peters, C. W. Reardon, R. C. Huskey. 

Marshals of Sections — Thomas Lyon, B. T. Hill, George Birge, 
Henry Yeakel, Jacob Halfen, Sweet, Dewitt C. Hartwell, 

Hamilton Haney, Fred. B. Smith. 

The sixth division was composed of Christian, Sani- 
tary and other kindred Commissions, Aid Societies, etc. 
and delegations from Universities, Colleges and other 
institutions of learning. 

Reverend Clcrgv, not officiating for the day. 

Members of the Legal Profession. 

IVIembers of the Medical Profession. 

Representatives of the Press. 

Seventh Division. Hon. Harmon G. Reynolds, Marshal. Aids: 

George R. Teasdale, John A. Hughes, James Smith, P. Fitzpat- 

rick, Henry Shuck and Thomas O'Conner. 

Marshals of sections — Capt. Charles Fisher, Frank W. Tracy, 
M. Conner, Frederick Smith, M. Armstrong, Richard Young. 

This division was composed of the various bodies of 
Free Masons, Odd Fellows and other kindred fraterni- 
ties, and the Firemen. 

Eighth Division. Hon. John W. Smith, Marshal. Aids: Capt- 
Isaac Keys, S. H. Jones, Hon. John W. Priest, O. A. Abel, Maj. 
H. N. Alden, Wni. P. Crafton, G. A. Kimber, John W. Poorman, 
Henry Ridgley, J. H. Crow, John W. Davis, Presco AYright, N. 



214 THE GEE.A.r FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

V. Hunt, George Dalby, Alfred A. Xf)rtli, Hon. J. S. Bradford, 
Samuel P. Townsend. 

This division was coiiiposod of citizens generally, and 
all who had not been assigned to some other place in 
the procession, bringing np the rear with the colored 
people. 

The procession thus formed received the corpse at 
the north gate of the State House square, and moved 
east on Washington street to Eighth, south on Eighth 
— passing the Lincoln residence at the corner of Jack- 
son and Eighth — to Cook, west on Cook to Fourth, 
north on Fourth, passing between the Governor's man- 
sion — then the home of Governor Oglesby — and the 
fine residence of ex-Governor Matteson, to Union, west 
on Union to Third, north on Third to the eastern en- 
trance to Oak Ridge Cemetery, one and a half miles 
from the State House. 

On arriving at the cemetery, the remains were placed 
in the receiving tomb. The choir then sang the Dead 
March in Saul : 

" Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb, 
Take this new treasure to thy trust," etc. 

Rev. Albert Hale, Pastor of the Second Presbyterian 
Church, of Springfield, then offered a fervent and ap- 
propriate prayer, after which the choir sang a dirge 
coniposcd for the occasion by L. W. Dawes, music by 
George F. Root : 

" Farewell, Father, Friend and Guardian." 

A portion of scripture was then read by Rev. N. AV. 
Miner, and the choir sang 

" To Thee, O, Lord, I yield my spirit." 

President Lincoln's Liaugural Address of March 4, 
1865, was then read by Rev. A. C. Hubbard. A dirge 
was performed by the choir, and then followed the 
Funeral Oration by Rev. Dr. Simpson, Bishop of the 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 215 

Methodist Episcopal Church. It was a review of the 
life of Abraham Lincoln, more particularly that part 
from the time he left Springfield, Feb. 11, 1861, until 
his death. In drawing the contrast between his depart- 
ure and return, the Bishop said : 

" Such a scene as his return to you was never known among the 
events of liistory. There was one for tha Patriarch Jacob wliich 
come up from Egypt, and the Egyptians wondered at the evidences 
of reverence and filial afiVction which came up from the hearts 
of the Israelites. There was mourning when Moses fell upon the 
heights of Pisgah, and was hid from human view. There has 
been mourning in the kingdoms of the earth when kings and 
princes have fallen, but never was there in the history of man 
such mourning as tiiat which accompanied this funeral procession. 

"Far more eyes have gazed u^Don the face of the departed than 
ever looked upon the face of any other departed man. More eyes 
have looked upon the i^rocession for sixteen hundred miles and 
more, by night and by day, by sunlight, dawn, twilight, and by 
torchlight, than ever before watched the progress of a procession." 

In illustration of the universal feeling of sorrow, 
the orator said : 

"Nor is this mourning confined to anj' one class, or to any dist- 
rict or country. ]\Iun of all political parties and of all religious 
creeds, have united in paying this .mournful tribute. The arch- 
bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in New York and a Prot- 
estant minister Avalked side by side in the sad procession. A Jew- 
ish Rabbi performed part of the solemn services. 

"But the great cause of this mourning is found in the man him- 
self. Mr. Lincoln was no ordinary man; and I believe the con- 
viction has been growing on the nation's mind, as it certainly has 
been on mine, especially in the last years of his administration, 
that by the hand of God lie was especially singled out to guide 
our government in tliese troubled times. And it seems to me that 
the hand of God may be traced in many of tiie events connected 
with his history. 

" I recognize this in liis physical education, which prepared liim 
for enduring herculean labors. In the toils of his boyhood and 



216 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

the labors of his manhood, God was giving him an iron frame. 
Next to this was liis identification with tlie heart of the great 
people, understanding their feelings because he was one of them, 
and connected •with them in their movements and life. His edu- 
cation was simple. A few months spent in the school house gave 
liim the elements of an education. He read Buuyau's Pilgrim's 
Progress, ^sop's Fables and the life of Washington, whicli were 
liis favorites. In these we recognize the marks which gave the 
bias to his character, and which partly moulded his style. His 
earh' life, with its varied struggles, joined him indissolublj' to the 
working masses, aud no elevation in society diminished his respect 
for the sous of toil. He knew what it was to fell the tall trees of 
the forest, and to stem the current of the broad Mississippi. His 
home was in the growing West — the heart of the Republic — and 
invigorated by the winds that swept over its prairies, he learned 
lessons of self reliance that sustained him in scenes of adversity. 
His genius was soon recognized, as true genius always will be, aud 
he was placed in the legi-slature of Iiis adopted State. Already 
acquainted with the principles of law, he devoted his thoughts to 
matters of public interest, and began to be looked upon as the 
'coming statesman.' As early as 1839 he presented resolutions in 
the legislature asking for emancipation in the District of Columbia, 
while, with but rare exceptions, the whole popular mind of his 
State was opposed to the measure. From that hour he was a 
steady and uniform friend of humanity, and was preparing for tlie 
conflict of later years. 

" It was not, however, chiefly by his mental faculties that he 
gained such control over mankind. His moral poAver gave him 
pre-eminence. The convictions of men that Abraham Lincoln 
was an honest man, led them to yield to his guidance. As has 
been said of Cobden, whom he greatly resembled, he made all men 
feel a kind of sense of himself — a recognized individuality — a self 
relying power. They saw in him a man whom the}' believed 
Avould do wliat was right, regardless of consequences. It was this 
moral feeling which gave him tlie greatest hold upon the people, 
and made his utterances almost oracular. 

" But the great act of tlie mighty chieftain, on which his power 
shall rest long after his fraun; shall moulder away, is giving free- 
dom to a race. We have all been taught to revere the sacred 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 217 

scriptures. "We have thought of Moses; of his power, and the 
prominence he gave to the moral law ; how it lasts, and liow his 
name towers high among tlie names in heaven, and how lie deliv- 
ered those millions of his kindred out of bondage. And yet we 
may assert that Abraham Lincoln, by his proclamation, liberated 
more enslaved people than ever Moses set free — and those not of 
his kindred. God has seldom given such jiower or such an oppor- 
tunity to man. When other events shall have been forgotten; 
when this world shall have become a network of republics; when 
every throne shall be swept from the face of the earth; when lit- 
erature shall enlighten all minds ; when the claims of humanity 
shall be recognized everywhere, this act shall still be conspicuous 
on the pages of history. And we are thankful that God gave to 
Abraham Lincoln the decision and wisdom and grace to issue that 
proclamation, which stands high above all other papers which have 
been penned by uninspired men. 

"Look over all his speeches — listen to his utterances — he never 
opoke unkindly of any man. Even the rebels received no words 
of anger from him, and the last day of his life illustrated, in a re- 
markable manner, his forgiving disposition. A dispatch was 
received that afternoon that Thompson and Tucker were trying 
to escape through Maine, and it was proposed to arrest them. 
Mr. Lincoln, however, preferred to let them quietly escape. He 
was seeking to save the very men who had been plotting his de- 
struction; and this morning we read a proclamation ofl'ering 
$25,000 fen- the arrest of these men as aiders and abettors of his 
assassination ; so that, in his expiring acts, he was saying, ' Father 
forgive them, they know not what tliey do.' As a ruler, I doubt 
if any president ever showed such trust in God, or, in pubhc 
documents, so frequently referred to Divine aid. Often did he 
remark to friends and delegations that his hope for our success 
rested in his conviction that God would bless our efforts because 
we were trying to do riglit. To the address of a large religious 
body he replied, 'Thanks be unto God who, in our national trials, 
giveth us the churches.' To a minister who said he 'hoped the 
Loi-d was on our side,' he replied that it ' gave him no concern 
wlietlur the Lord was on our side or not,' and then added, ' for I 
know the Lord is always on tlie side of right,' and with deep feel- 
ing continued : 'But God is my witness that it is my constant 



2 1 8 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

anxiety and praj-or tliat boUi myself and this nation should be ou 
the Lord's side.' " 

After the oration or eulogy, a requiem was per- 
formed by the choir, a prayer offered by the Rev. Dr. 
Harkey, followed by the singing of 
" Peace, troubled soul." 

Rev. Dr. P. D. Gurley then arose, made a few remarks 
and the closing prayer, after which the folloM'ing funeral 
hymn, composed by him for the occasion, was sung : 

Rest, uoble martyr! rest iu peace; 

Rest with the true and brave 
Who, like thee, fell in freedom's cause. 

The uatiou's life to save. 

Thy name shall live while time endures. 

And meu shall .say of thee. 
He saved his country from its foes, 

And bade tlie slave be free. 

These deeds shall be thy monument. 

Better than brass or stone ; 
Thej' leave thy tame in glory's light 

Unrivaled and alone. 

This consecrated spot shall be 

To freedom ever dear ; 
And freedom's sons of ever^^ race 

Shall weej) and worship here. 

O, God, before whom we, in tears, 

Our fallen chief deplore. 
Grant that the cause for which he died. 

May live forever more. 

The services closed by the choir singing the doxology, 
and the benediction by Dr. Gurley .when the vast mul- 
titude melted away and sought the railroad depots, from 



AND THE NATION ATi LINCOLN MONUMENT. 219 

which the trains bore them to their homes in all parts 
of the nation — east, west, north and south. Thus 
ended the most grand and sublime funeral pageant 
the world ever saw. The injunction so often repeated 
on the way — 

" Bear liim gently to his rest " — 
was reverently obeyed, and Mr. Lincoln's own words, 
" Tlie heart of the nation throbs heavilj^ at the portals of the tomb," 

were realized with a force of which he little thought at 
the time they were spoken. 

In the largest number of places where the escort 
stopped to give an opportunity for public honors, the 
local authorities provided guards to relieve the Guard 
of Honor detailed by the Secretary 'of War, but in no 
instance did they all leave the remains. They were 
acting under orders to guard the body of Abraham Lin- 
coln until it should be de])osited in its final resting 
place at Springfield, Illinois, and during all the jour- 
ney there was not a moment but one or more of these 
veteran officers, with bronzed visages and gray hairs, 
could be seen near the body. 

According to the special order issued from the War 
Department, April 18, 1865, all arrangements by State 
or municipal authorities for doing honor to the remains, 
were to be under the direction of the military com- 
mander of the division, department or district in which 
the proposed demonstrations were to take place. In 
order to see that the provisions of this order were car- 
ried out, ]\Iajor General Cadwallader, commander of 
the department of Pennsylvania, joined the cortege at 
the State line between Maryland and Pennsylvania. 
He continued with the funeral party until it reached 
Jersey City, when he was relieved by Major General 
John A. Dix, commander of the department of Xew 
York. Gen. Dix traveled with the cortege through 
New York and across the northern end of Pennsylva- 
nia. Major General Joseph Hooker, commander of the 



220 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

department of the Ohio, relieved Gen. Dix at Wick- 
liffe, Ohio. General Hooker continued with the funeral 
cortege until the closing ceremonies at Springfield, 
Illinois. 

I have omitted to mention the estimates given in the 
papers of the numbers who viewed the remains at dif- 
ferent points ; but summing them all up at the close, 
I feel justified in saying that more than one inilUon 
men and ivomen must have looked upon the dead face 
of Abraham Lincoln ;an event which has no parallel in 
the history of the world. 

In the course of the entire journey, there can not be 
a line or even a word found on record, urging the peo- 
ple to turn out in honor of the deceased. The assem- 
bling of such multitudes was, in all cases, spontaneous. 
Day and night, cold or warm, rain or shine, for twelve 
long days and nights, it was only necessary for the 
people to know the time the cortege was expected to 
arrive at any given point, to bring them together in 
great numbers. 

The annexed table will exhibit the distance traveled 
by the funeral train that bore the remains of Abraham 
Lincoln from Washington city to Springfield, Illincus. 
The distance is also given between the different points 
at which the remains were taken from the train, in 
compliance with the desire of the people to do honor 
to the memory of the martyred President: 

MILES. 

From Wasliington to Baltimore 40 

" Baltimore via York to Harrisburg- 84 

" Harrisburg to Pliiladelpliia 107 

" Philadelphia via Trenton to New York. 87 

" New York to Albany 143 

" Albany via Schnectady, Ulica, Syracuse, Bochcster and 

Batavia to Buffido .*. 296 

" Buffalo via Dunkirk and Erie to Cleveland 183 

" Cleveland via Creslliue and Delaware to Columbus. . 138 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMEMT. 221 

From Columbus ma Urbana, Piqua, Greenville, Kiclimond, 

and Kniglitstown to Indianapolis 188 

" Indianapolis via Lafayette and Michigan City to 

Chicago 212 

" Chicago ma Joliet, Chenoa and Blooniington to 

Springfield '. 185 

Total 1663 

It is but natural that the very best that could be 
written would appear in those papers of Mr. Lincoln's 
own way of thinking in politics ; but some of the finest 
articles appeared in papers that had always been op- 
posed to him politically. The Dally Register, a Demo- 
cratic paper published at Springfield, in its issue of 
Saturday evening, April 15, 1865, after relating the 
news of the assassination, says : 

"Just in the hour when the crowing triumph of his life awaited 
him ; when the result which he had labored and prayed for four 
years with incessant toil, stood almost accomplished ; when he 
could begin clearly to see the promised land of his longings — the 
restored Union — even as Moses, from the top of Pisgah, looked 
forth upon the Canaan he had for forty years been striving to 
attain, the assassin's hand at once puts a rude period to his life 
and to his hopes. As Moses of old, who had led God's people 
through the gloom and danger of the wilderness, died when on 
the eve of realizing all that his hopes had pictured, so Lincoln is 
cut off just as the white wing of peace begins-to reflect its silvery 
radiance over the red billows of war. It is hard for a great man 
to die, but doubly cruel that he should be cut ofl:' after such a 
career as that of him we mourn to-day." 

And the same paper of April 18th says : 

" History has recorded no such scene of bloody terror. The 
murder of monarchs has been written. Caesar was slain in the 
Senate Chamber ; Gustavus was butchered in the ball room ; but 
these were usurpers and tyrants, not the chosen heads of a peo- 
ple, empowered to select their rulers. And, O horrible ! that he 
should have been assassinated when his best eftbrts to tranquilize 
the fears and fury of his people were so nearly realized. We are 
dumb with sorrow." 



222 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

The IHlnois State Journal, at Sprino^field, the oldest 
paper in the State north of Edwnrdsville, was the first 
in which Lincoln's name ever appeared in connection 
with any office — he having been announced as a candi- 
date for Representative of Sangamon county, in its 
issue of March 15, 1832. It was then Whig and is 
now Republican in politics, and supported Lincoln 
every time he was ever a candidate. The Daily Jour- 
nal of Saturday morning, April 15, 18C5, gave the 
telegraphic announcement of his assassination, with- 
out comment. Monday morning, the 17th, it said : 

"Abraham LnsrcoLN is dead! These portentious words, as 
they sped over the wires throughout the length and breadth of 
the land on Saturday morning last, sent a thrill of agony through 
millions of loyal hearts, and shrouded a nation, so lately rejoic- 
ing in the hour of victory, in the deepest sorrow. The blow came 
at a moment so unexpected, and was so sudden and staggering — 
the crime by which he fell was so atrocious and the manner of it 
so revolting, that men were unable to realize the fact that one of 
the purest of citizens, the noblest of patriots, the most beloved 
and honored of Presidents, the most forbearing and magnanimous 
of rulers, had perished at the hands of an assassin. The horrify- 
ing details recalled only the scenes of blood which have disgraced 
barbaric ages. People were unwilling to believe that, in our own 
time, there could b^ found men capable of a crime so utterly 
fiendish and brutal. * * * ji^j^d yet this is 

called chivalry." 

" President Lincoln died at the hand of Slavery. It was Slavery 
that conceived the fearful deed; it was SlaverjMhat sought and 
found the willing instrument and sped the fatal ball ; it is Slavery 
alone that will justify the act. Henceforth men will look upon 
Slavery as indeed 'the sum of all villanies.' " 

The same paper of Saturday morning, the 22d, says: 

"A week ago this morning, the intelligence first startled the 
the nation that a crime of tlie most fearful character had been 
perpetrated in Washington. The spirit of our honored and be- 
loved President, the most genial, patient and forbearing of men, 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 223 

but the victim of tlie most atrocious assassination, was then tak- 
ing its flight to the 'God who gave it.' " * * * 
"One week has passed, and such a week was never known in 
this or any other land. The popular sorrow, instead of abating 
by time, has grown even more intense, as the people have been 
gradually enabled to comprehend the terrible facts. The heart 
of the nation has been moved as it was never moved before. 
Every village and city of the land, from the Atlantic to the Pa- 
cific, have joined in the most heartfelt demonstrations of grief, in 
view of the national loss. To-day the sorrowful cortege accom- 
panying the remains of our beloved President is at last approach, 
ing the home whence, four years ago, he set out with many mis- 
givings, but strong in the sense of duty, to assume the reins of 
government, to which the suffrages of the people had called him. 
The eyes of the whole nation are upon it, and wherever that dark 
and sorrow-burdened train appears, it is attended by the lamenta- 
tions of the people." 

Friday morning, 28th, the Journal announced the 
death of the assassin, and said : 

" Ketribution, swift and sure, has fallen upon his murderer! 
J. Wilkes Booth, the author of that atrocious deed, lies as lifelesg 
as Abraham Lincoln. * * * * It is no 

compensation for the loss to the nation of such a man as Abraham 
Lincoln, that judgment has overtaken his murderer. * * 

The only satisfaction we feel is that justice has been done." 

The Journal of Wednesday morning, May 3d, says : 

" To-day all that is mortal of Abraham Lincoln comes back to 
us to be deposited among a people with whom he spent so man}'- 
years of his life, and among whom he hoped, his Avork being 
done, to spend the evening of his days." 

The Journal, Thursday, May 4th : 

" To-day we lay him reverently to rest, amid the scenes he 
loved so well. Millions will drop a tear to his memory, and 
future generations will make pilgrimages to his tomb. Peace to 
his ashes." 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



It will be remembered that, on the twentv-fourth 
day of April, a public meeting was held in Springfield, 
at which a committee was chosen to make arrange- 
ments for the sepulture of the remains of President 
Lincoln. It will also be borne in mind that the com- 
mittee resolved itself into a National Lincoln Monu- 
ment xVssociation. 

A conditional contract had been made for a plat of 
ground on which to erect a monument, and the work 
of constructing a temporary vault, at the expense of 
the city, had been commenced. It was designed to be 
a resting place for the remains until the monument 
could be erected. By the men working night and day, 




(Fig. 1.) 

VAULT ON THE NEW STATE HOUSE GROUNDS. 



THE NATIONAL LINX'OLN MONUMENT. 22) 

tlirough suiisliine and rain, it was ready fur use at tlie 
a])j)()intcd time, aitliougli the work was not quite com- 
pleted on the outside. It was ascertained, on tlic 
morning of the fourth, that Mrs. Lincoln objected to 
the body of her husband being placed, even tempo- 
rarily, in the new vault, on account of the location 
of the grounds selected. She having expressed her 
preference for Oak Ridge Cemetery, it was in com- 
pliance with her wishes that the remains were taken 




(Fig. 2.) 

PUBLIC VAULT AT OAK RIDGK. 



there and deposited in the public receiving vault 
of the cemetery. The new vault was on the grounds 
that have since been purchased and donated by 
the city of Springfield to the State of Illinois, upon 
which the State is now erecting a Capitol, at an ex- 
pense of three and a half millions of dollais. The 
vault stood about fifty yards north of the new State 
House. A cenotaph should, and doubtless will, be 
15 



Z'Jb THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

erected on the spot, after the edifice is completed and 
the grounds put in proper order. Figure No. 1 was 
engraved from a drawing of the vault, preserved by 
T. J. Dennis, who was at the time Mayor of the city. 

For several weeks after the remains were deposited 
in the public vault of the cemetery, ropes were ex- 
tended in front of it, and a guard of soldiers kept 
there day and night. This was done more as a mark 
of honor and respect, than from any fear that his tomb 
would be desecrated. Figure No. 2 Avas engraved from 
a photograph taken during that time. 

Soon after the remains of INIr. Lincoln and Willie 
were deposited in this vault, the foUowiug entries were 
made in the register kept by the sexton of Oak Ridge 
Cemetery : 



DATE OP 
rNTEKM'T. 


NAME. 


CAUSE OF 
DEATH. 


rT,\CE OF 

r.iuxn. 


REMARKS. 


May 4, 
18G5. 

May 4, 
1865. 


Abraham 
Lincohi. 

Willie 
Lincoln. 


Assassinated. 


Kentucky. 
Springf'ld, 


Receiving 

Tomb. 
Removed 
from Wash- 
ington, D.C. 
Receiving 
Tomb. 



On the ninth of May, a call was sent out to all Sun- 
day schools, to take up collections the second Sabbath,- 
and all public schools, the first Tuesday, in June. 

The Association was without legal authority until 
the eleventh of May, when it was established accord- 
ing to the laws of Illinois governing voluntary soci- 
eties, under the following 

ARTICLES OF ASSOCLVTIOK 
We, Richard J. Oglesb}', Sliarou Tyndalc, O. 11. IMiner, James 
H. Beveridge, Newton Batemaii, John T. Stuart, Samuel II. Treat, 
Jesse K. Dubois, O. M. Hatch, James C. Coukling, Thomas J. 



Deunis, Joliii Williams, Jacob Bituii, S. 11. ^Melviu and David L. 
riiillips, all being of full age, and citizens of llic United Stales, 
and of the State of Illinois, certify that we do hereb}'' associate onr- 
seha^s under and by virtue of an act of the General Assembly of 
the State of Illinois, entitled "An act for the incorporation of 
Benevolent, Educational, Literary, Musical, Scientific and Mis- 
sionary societies, including societies formed for mutual improve- 
ment, or for the promotion of the arts," approved February 24, 
1859, by the following name, and for the purpose liereiu specified. 

AUTICI.E I. 

This Association shall be called the "National Lincoln Monu- 
ment Association," a:id be located at Springfield, State of Illinois', 
and shall continue in existence for the term of twenty years. 

ARTICLE II. 

The object of this Association shall be to construct a Monu- 
ment to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, in the city of Si>ring- 
lield. State of Illinois. 

AUTICLE III. 

The following persons shall be the Directors of the Association 
during the first year of its existence: Richard J. Oglesb}', Sharoa 
Tyudale, O. H. Miner, James H. Beveridge, Newton Bateman, 
John T. Stuart, Jesse K. Dubois, O. M. Hatch, James C. Conk- 
ling, Thomas J. Dennis, John Williams, Jacob Bunn, S. It. Melvin, 
Siimuel H. Treat and David L. Phillips. 

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and 
seals, this eleventh day of Maj', 1865. 

RiCTiARD J. Ogt.esby, [seal.] Shauon Tyndale, [seal] 
OuLiN H. Miner, [seal.] Newton Batem.^n, [seal.] 

John T. Stuart, [seal.] S. IT. Treat, [seal.] 

J ESSE K. Dlirois, [se.\l.] O. M. Hatch, [seal.] 

Ja.mes C. Conkling, [seal.] S. H. Melyin, [seal.] 

John Williams, [seal.] James H. Beveridge, [seal.] 

Jacob Bunn, [seal.] Thomas J. Dennis, [seal.] 

David L. Phillii-s, [se.al] 

These gentlemen were nearly all occupying high 
official positions at the time, or had previoii.sly been. 
The first five named in the preamble were, respectively, 



228 THE GREAT FUNERAE CORTPXJE, 

Governor, Secretary, Auditor, Treasurer and, Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction for the State of Illinois 
at the time. Mr. Stuart Avas the precej^tor and first 
law partner of Abraham Lincoln, an ex-member of the 
U. S. House of Representatives, and is yet one of 
the leading lawyers of Central Illinois; Mr. Treat 
has been for many years, and is yet, a Judge of the 
U. S. Court for Illinois; Mr. Dubois is an ex-member 
of the State Legislature, ex-receiver of the U. S. Land 
Office, ex-Auditor of State, etc., etc. ; Mr. Hatch is an 
ex-Secretary of State, and a man of wealth and influ- 
ence ; ]Mr. Conkling is an ex-Mayor of Springfield, ex- 
member of the State Legislature, a leading lawyer, 
capitalist, and public spirited citizen ; Mr. Dennis was 
at the time ISIayor of the city, and is one of the fore- 
most architects in the west; Mr. Williams and Mr. 
Bunn are, respectively, at the head of two among the 
oldest and most wealthy banking houses in the city ; 
Dr. Melvin is a prominent merchant, banker and rail- 
road man ; ]\Ir. Phillips was then United States Mar- 
shal for the Southern District of Illinois. All of them 
had long been on ternxs of personal friendship and in- 
timacy with Abraham Lincoln. 

On the day the Association took a legal form, the 
Board of Directors organized by electing 

Governor Richard J. Oglesby, President. 

Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Vice President. 

Clinton L. Conkling, Secretary. 

Hon. James H. Beveridgc, Treasurer. 

A code of by laws was adopted, agents appointed to 
collect funds, agricultural and horticultural societies 
called on to contribute, and the Treasurer directed to 
invest funds — which were already beginning to reach 
the treasury — in United States securities. Until June, 
it was the intention of tlie Association to erect the 
monument on the plat of ground where the first vault 
had been built, not doubting that Mrs. Lincoln would 
give her consent to that arrangement, on a deliberate 



AND THE NATIOxVAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 229 

consideration of the subject. In a letter to the Asso- 
ciation, dated at Chicago, June fifth, Mrs. Lincohi still 
objected to that location. On the fourteenth day of the 
month, it was decided by a majority of one, in a full 
Board of Directors, to build the INlonumcnt in Oak 
Ridge Cemetery. Six acres of land were donated by 
tiic city of Springfield, and conveyed to the Asssocia- 
tion as a site for the INIonument. 

Measures were at once taken to erect a temporary 
vault, near that belonging to the cemetery. Th*) 
object in building a temporary vault, was that the 
remains might be deposited there until the Monu- 
ment could be completed, and thus vacate the public 
vault. The temporary vault was completed before 
M'inter, and a notice given to ISIrs. Lincoln, at Chi- 
cago, that the Association was ready to remove the 
body of her late husband; that it would be done with- 
out public display, and asked her to name the time 
that it M^ould be convenient for her to be present. She 
replied, saying that December 21, at three o'clock p. m., 
would suit her. A day or two previous to the time 
fixed for the removal, Mrs. Lincoln, with her son Rob- 
ert, came to Springfield, and visited the new tomb. 
She expressed herself well pleased with what had been 
done, but a sudden indisposition prevented her being 
present when the removal took place. In process of 
transferring the remains, the box containing the coffin 
was opened, in order that the features of the deceased 
might be seen, and six of his personal acquaintances 
filed a written statement with the Secretary of the 
Association, that it was the body of Abraham Lincoln 
beyond a doubt. This was deemed advisable, to 
keep the evidence of identity unbroken through the 
changes necessary to be made before the completion of 
his final resting place. 

Mr. Lincoln had one son who died in childhood, 
many years ago, and was buried in Hutchinson ceme- 
tery, near the city. His body was removed to the tern- 



230 



THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 



poraiy vault also, and it then contained the bodies of 
the father and two sons, Eddie and AVillie. Edward 
was named for Col. E. D. Baker — who was killed at 
Ball's Bluff — between whom and Mr. Lincoln the 
warmest friendship always existed. I must digress 
here, to say that I have been informed by one who 
knows, that in one of the finest cemeteries of San 
Francisco, the grave of that pure and eloquent states- 
man and brave soldier, is the only one that is neglected. 
Is there no lover of free institutions, and admirer of 
genius in that city, who will see that the stain is re- 
moved? 

Figure No. 3 was engraved from a photograph of 
the temporary vault. It stood on the brow of the 
hill, about fifty yards northeast of the monument. It 
was removed late in the autumn of 1871, and the site 
where it stood graded down about fifteen feet. 

Early in 1868, the Association advertised a "Notice 
to Artists," offering §1000 for the best design for a 
monument, wdth the usual conditions, and named the 





{Fig. 8.) 

TEMPORARY VAULT AT OAK RIDGE. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 231 

first of September as the day for the examination. 
Thirty-seven designs, by thirty-one artists — six of them 
sending two each — were received and phxced on exhi- 
bition in the Senate Ceamber. 

They came from the following States : Illinois — 
Chicago, John Wesley Hooper, Henry L. Gay, H. 
Schroff, Cochrane & Piquenard, one each, and from 
L. W. Volk, two; Mattoon, J. E. Hummell, one; 
Bloomington, J. R. & J. S. Haldeman, one ; Quincy, 
C. G. Volk, two ; Springfield, Joseph Baum and E. E. 
Myers, one each, making a total of twelve. Wisconsin — 
Milwaukee, N. Merrill, two. Iowa — Jefferson, Henry 
Goodman, one. Indiana — Logansport, William Em- 
mett, and Indianapolis, J. H. Vrydagh, one each. 
Ohio — Toledo, W. H. Macher, one, and Cincinnati, 
Thomas D. Jones, tAVO. Massachusetts — Boston, C. B. 
Odiorne and Miss Harriet E. Hosmer, one each. Dis- 
trict of Columbia — Washington, Miss Vinnie Ream, 
one. Kentucky — Louisville, M. S. Belknap, one. 
Missouri — St. Louis, J. Beattie, Charles Bullitt, R. H. 
Follenius, ISIcLaren & Baldwin, one each. New York — 
Brooklvn, Horwan & JSIaurer, two. Pennsvlvania — 
Philadelphia, J. H. Bailey & H. H. Lovie, A. E. Har- 
wicke, J. H. Hazeltine, E. N. Scherr, one each. Con- 
necticut — Hartford, J. G. Batterson, one. Vermont — 
Brattleboro, Larkin G. Mead, Jr., two ; making a total 
of thirty-seven. 

Some of these designs -would have cost a million dol- 
lars each to put them into execution. Five days were 
occupied in studying them, when the board adjourned 
to meet again on the tenth of the month. Thev re- 
assembled on the tenth, and continued to the eleventh, 
when it was 

licaolved, Tliat this Ass()ci:iti(Mi adopt, thu des-ign — one of tliem — 
submitted by Larkiii G. Mead, .Jr., to be couslrncted of granite 
and bronze, and tliat the wliole matter be referred to the Execu- 
tive Committee, with power to act. 



232 THE GREAT FUXEPwAL COrvTEGE, 

Those voting in the affirmative were, Bateman, Bev- 
eridge, Biinu, Conkling, Dennis, Dubois, Hateh, ]Mel- 
vin, Miner, Stuart, Treat, Williams and Phillips. In 
the negative, Mr. Tyndalc. Absent or not voting, 
Gov. Oglesbv. 

Tlio Association then entered into a contract with 
Mr. jNIead, to erect the monument, together with the 
statuary, and all the accessories necessary to the fulfil- 
ment of the design. It was soon after ascertained that 
it was ]Mr. ^Mead's intention to let the contract foi" the 
architectural part of the work and return to Italy, 
where he had been residing for several years. Then it 
was mutually agreed to annul the existing contract, 
and a new one was entered into on the thirtieth of De- 
cember, in which it was stipulated that the Association 
Avas to manage tjie building of the architectural part 
of the monument, and that it shoidil be done strictly 
after the drawings and specifications of jNIr. ]\rcad. 
On his part, Mi'. Mead was to mould, cast and deliver 
all the statuary required by and necessary to his design, 
naniely. 

1. A statue of Lincoln, not less than ten feet liiohj 
for $13,700. 

2. A group representing infantry, containing three 
figures and ap})ropriate accessories, th(> figures to bo 
not less than seven and a ludf feet high, for $13,700. 

3. A group of cavalry, to contain a horse and two 
human figures, with aj)])r()priate accessories, the human 
figures to be not less than seven and a half feet high, 
and the horse in ])roportion, for the sum of $13,700. 

4. A group of artillery, to contain three figures and 
appropriate accessories, the figures to be not less than 
seven and a half iW't high, fi)r $13,700. 

0. A marine grou]), to contain thive figures and ap- 
propriate accessories, the figures to be not less than 
seven and a half feet high, for $13,700. 

(). The coat of arms of the United Stales, as shown 
in the specifications, for §1,500, making u total of 
$70,000. 



AND THE >;AT10NAL I.I.NCOrA' MONUAIKN'I'. 233 

It was a [)ai-t of the contract, that the Association 
was to have the right to order one or more of these 
pieces or groups at a time, to suit its own convenience, 
and that it was not under obligations to jviy for any 
})iece until a written oi'der was given for the work to 
})roeeed. When a written order was given, one-third 
of the stipulated price was to accompany it, one-third 
to be paid when the plaster model was delivered at the 
foundry where it was to be cast, and the remaining 
third when the work was completed and delivered in 
good order, at S})ringfield, Illinois. It was also stipu- 
lated in the contract, that if cannon were donated to 
be used in the statuary, the value thereof should be 
deducted from the price. It was further agreed, that 
if any donations of freight were made, it should be to 
the Association, and not to INIr. Mead. 

On the l)ack of this contract, Mr. Mead gave the 
signatures of five business men of New York city, 
binding themselves in the penal sum of $5,000 eacli, 
for the faithful performance of the contract on his 
part. A note, also an the back of this contract, over 
the signature of John J. Cisco, of New York, ex- 
])resses the opinion that the bond is good and suffi- 
cient. 

On the seventh day of May, 1869, the Board of 
Directors, under the above contract, instructed the 
Executive Committee to order the statue of Lincoln 
and the coat of arms of the United States, and to ac- 
company the order with one third of the money, as per 
contract. 

After advertising for proposals to erect the monu- 
ment — excepting the statuary — and receiving five or 
six bids, that of W. D. Richardson, of Springfield, was 
accepted. A contract was then entered into, between 
the Association and Mr. Richardson, in which he 
agreed to erect the National Lincoln JNIonument, in 
()ak Ridge Cemetery, according to the ]>lans and s])eci- 
fications adopted by the Association, for the sum of 



234 ■ THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

§loG,ooO. He was to build the foundation durino^ the 
year 1869, and the superstructure by January 1, 1871. 
The Association agreed to pay Mr. Ricliardson the 
sum above named, and for the purpose designated, by 
monthly estimates as the work progressed, fifteen per 
cent of which was to be withheld until the work was 
completed according to contract, when the total amount 
remaining should be paid. Mr. Richardson gave am- 
ple security, under a penalty of §50,000, for the faith- 
ful performance of the contract on his part. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



Arrangements havino; been previously made, the 
Board of Directors held a special meeting in Oak 
Eidge Cemetery, September 9, 1869. After calling 
the roll, a brief but fervent prayer was offered by Rev. 
Albert Hale, invoking God's blessing on the work they 
were about to commence. The president of the Asso- 
ciation being absent, the vice president, Hon. Jesse K. 
Dubois, at the request of the board, made the follow- 
ing statement of the financial condition of the Associa- 
tion : 

U. S. 5-20 bonds, on special deposit witli .J. Buuu $60,300 00 

Pri'iniuin on suid bonds, at present value lo,2(')0 00 

Casliinbank 2,023 4G 

Notes on individuals 80 00 

Illinois Slate bonds, on special deposit with J. Buuii. . 17,000 GO 

Illinois Slate appropriation 50,000 00 

Estimated value oF cannon donated bj^ Congress 5,000 00 

Paid to Larkin G. Mead on contract for slatuary 5,000 00 

Totid assets $158,003 46 

]\Ir. Dubois also made a statement of all the con- 
tracts entered into by the Association, in consequence 
of which the following liabilities were incurred : 

To W. 1). Ricliardson, for building monument $130,550 00 

Til Larkin G. Mead, for statute of Lincoln and coat of 
arms 15,200 00 

Total liabilities $151,750 00 

Balance, after meeting all liabilities $0,1)13 4G 



236 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Mr. Dubois said that, if no misfortune bcfel the 
Association, it coukl, by January 1, 1871, have the 
monument completed, except the four groups of statu- 
ary, and be out of debt, with a small balance in the 
treasury. He expressed the hojie that the American 
people, or separate States or cities, Mould furnish the 
means to pay for the remaining grouj)s of statuary, 
that the monument might stand complete and sym- 
metrical, a fitting emblem of the character and virtues 
of the man it was designed to honor. 

Vice President Dubois closed his statement by sav- 
ing: "In obedience to the order of your board, and 
to testify their and my approbation of all that has been 
done, it is my pleasure no\v to begin the work, by 
throwing out the first shoyelful of earth." 

INIr. Richardson had his materials on the gronnd, 
and before winter closed in, had the foundation com- 
pleted, doing all his contract required for the year 1809. 

When the work was about to comnK'n(;e, the Asso- 
ciation reorganized its Executive Committee, so that it 
Avas composed of the Hon. John T. Stuart, Jacob Bunn 
and John Williams. 

ISIr. Stuart, as i)reviously intimated, was the preceptor 
of Abraham liincoln, in the study of the law, and fur- 
nished him the library for that j)ur})ose. They were 
also })artners in practice from 1837 to 1840, when the 
partnership was dissolved, in consequence of ISIr. Stuart 
being elected to a seat in the United States House of 
Ile])resentatives. 

I shall now endeavor to desci-ibe the monument. 
The excavation for the central ])art, or that on which 
the main shaft rises, is twenty-three and a half feet 
deej), and seventeen feet square. The bottom of the 
excavation is filled with concrete, the whole seventeen 
feet square, to the de])th of eight feet. (Sec Fig. 7.) On 
this concrete, the whole seventeen feetsf|uare is built up 
with solid masonry of block stone, to a height of thirtv- 
uine feet and four inches. The stone is all dressed 



AND THE XATIOXAT. TJXCOr.X MOXU.MKXT. T-U 

true and square, and is very heavy, some of the ])icces 
Avoighing several tons each. The excavations for all 
the outer walls and piers are six feet deep. The walls 
commence with two feet depth of concrete. There is 
a round pier, fifteen feet in diameter — at the bottom — 
at each of the four corners of the central shaft. These 
piers are built up to a height of twenty-eight feet and 
four inches above the ground line, and are tapered to 
form a pedestal of eleven feet diameter at the top. 

There are three straight walls on each side of the 
central shaft, parallel with its sides, and at equal dis- 
tances from each other. These walls are all joined to 
the round piers. The central shaft, pedestals, and 
walls touching the pedestals, form a square of fifty-four 
feet, with rounded corners. There is another wall out- 
side of all these, nearly ten feet distant, the whole form- 
ing a square of seventy-two feet six inches. In addi- 
tion to these walls, there is an oval room thirty-two 
and a half feet long and twenty-four feet wide, in the 
clear. About half of it projects from the south side, 
and the other half extends inward, nearly to the base 
of the obelisk. This room is called Memorial Plall, 
and is designed to be a repository for articles used by, 
or in any way associated with the memory of Abraham 
Lincoln. The interior wall is planed Illinois stone, 
and inside of that, a few inches, is a lining of Vermont 
marble in ]mnel work, extending in dome groined 
arches, to form the ceiling, all supported by a series 
of Doric columns. This Hall is entered from the 
ground by a door at the south. (See Fig. 4.) 

At the north side there is a similar projection, called 
the Vestibule to the Catacomb. It is finished inside 
the same as I^Iemorial Hall, except that the floor is of 
black and white marble instead of'lllinois stone. It 
is entered by a door from the north. (See Fig. 4.) 

The ground plan is one hundred and nineteen and 
a half feet from north to south, and seventy-two and 
a half feet from east to west. The walls shown in Fig- 



238 Tin-: GRE.VT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



Mm,«\ I Inli ' lrfiiiiii-. Miimj iiJ 




(Fig. 4.) 

GROUND PLAN OF THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 209 

ure 4 are all fourteen feet and four inches high. Arches 
are sprung from one to another at the top, and heavy 
iron beams or joists, with flanges on the lower edge, 
are laid across jVIemorlal Hall and the Catacomb. 
Arches are sprung from one of these beams to another, 
beginning on the flanges at the bottom of the iron 
beams. The upper part of this scries of arches is 
brought to an even surface by filling the depressions 
with concrete. On top of this, embedded in cement, 
is a covering of immense slabs of Illinois stone, planed 
to a uniform thickness of about eight inciies, which 
brings the whole area of seventy-two and a half feet 
square, and the half circular projections over Memorial 
Hall and the Catacomb, up to fifteen feet ten inches in 
height. Figure 5 is an illustration of tiiis area, which 
is called the Terrace. 

You can ascend to the Terrace by either of four 
flights of granite steps, one at each corner. The two 
on the south land over Memorial Hall, and the two at 
the north over the Catacomb. The flagging stone that 
makes the Terrace, and at the same time a roof for 
everything below, is laid with sufficient inclination 
outward to carry off the water. 

A heavy granite balustrade ascends on the outside 
of each stairway, and is extended so as to form a para- 
pet around the Terrace and over the Catacomb and 
Memorial Hall. A small section of the parapet may 
be seen on each end of Figure 7. 

The Catacomb now consists of five crvpts, side hv 
side, elevated three feet above the floor of the vestibule. 
The crypts are three feet square, and seven feet from 
north to south. Figure 6, is an elevation fronting 
north, of the five crypts as they appeared before the 
marble panel work was put in place. Now the cen- 
tral crypt is the only one visible. In it there is a 
marble Sarcophagus, containing all that was mortal 
of Abraham Lincoln. 



240 Till: GRKAT rUNKUAl. CORTEGE, 




(Fis. 5.) 
THE TERUACE. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 



241 




(Fig. 6.) 

ELEVATION OF THE CRYPTS. 



The Catacomb and Memorial Hall are each lighted 
by six openings, and each opening is designed to be 
closed bv a single piece of plate glass, when necessary. 

The central shaft, being seventeen feet square at the 
bottom, as it rises is reduced to twelve feet square on 
the outside, at the top of the Terrace, and tapers to 
eight feet square at the apex, ninety-eight feet four and 
a half inches from the ground. The outside is dressed 
granite, and the inside hard burned brick. The shaft, 
or obelisk, is hollow from the terrace to the top, eighty- 
two and a half feet. The opening is six feet in diame- 
ter, and perfectly round. Fastenings Avere built in the 
wall, as the work progressed, for the support of a cir- 
cular iron stairway, wdiich ascends from the entrance, 
over the Terrace, as shown in Figure 5, and ends in a 
platform of iron, just near enough the cap stone to 
leave convenient room for standing erect. Each step 
is fastened to the wall by two iron bolts, the other 
end is attached to a central iron shaft, which extends 
from bottom to top. Figure 7 presents an interior view 
of the construction of the stairway. 
16 



242 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

One-third of the way from the Terrace to the top, 
there is a circular window, one foot in diameter, on 
each of the fonr sides. Two-thirds of the way up, 
there are four similar windows. At the top, and at a 
convenient height to stand on the platform and look 
out, there are twelve of these windows, three on each 
side. Each one was intended to have been clo&ied by a 
single piece of plate glass, three-fourths of an inch 
thick, but it has been found necessary thus far to leave 
them open, to afford ventilation as well as light. 

The study of Figure 7 will enable the reader to un- 
derstand the interior construction of the monument 
better than a written description only. 

It is as though the monument was cut exactly through 
the centre, from north to south, and you were standing 
at the west, facing the east, and looking at the eastern 
half You see how the arches are sprung from one 
wall to another, to support the stone flagging which 
forms the Terrace. The south end, or that to the right, 
shows the interior of Memorial Hall, and the north end, 
or that to the left, shows the interior of the Catacomb, 
without any attempt to illustrate the crypts. The let- 
ter S indicates that the material used is stone, and the 
letter B, brick. It will be observed that the founda- 
tion of the obelisk is sunk much deeper than the other 
walls. The spiral stairway is seen commencing on a 
level with the Terrace. A small section of the granite 
parapet, which extends around the Terrace, is seen at 
each end of the cut. The small light spots in Memorial 
Hall and the Catacomb, are the small windows previ- 
ously described. The elevation at the south side is a 
profile of the pedestal for the statue of Lincoln. It is 
thirty-five ancl a half feet above the ground line, and 
nineteen feet eight inches above the Terrace. 

In preparing the granite for the monument, a series 
of ashlars, two feet by two feet nine inches, are so 
dressed that each presents the appearance of a raised 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN 



f MONUMENT. 243 




j£bs»ii^ 



244 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

sliiekl. The names of the States are engraved on tliese 
shields. The shortest are given in full, and the longest 
abbreviated. These shields form a part of the wall, 
around the entire base, and the four pedestals, alter- 
nating with an ashlar of the same size. On each of 
these alternating ashlars, are two raised bands, running 
horizontally, giving to the States the appearance of 
being linked together, as it were, by an endless chain. 
The body of the granite is dressed to a true surface, 
and the bands and letters are polished. To complete 
a course around the edifice, there were three more 
shields than the whole number of States. These three 
are built in at the east side, and left blank, ready to 
receive the names of any States that may hereafter be 
admitted. (See Fig. 10.) 

The following is the order in which the States are 
placed, beginning on the east side, at the right of the 
blanks, and continuing to the right around the monu- 
ment. The names of the original thirteen States are 
first given, and then the newer States, in the chrono- 
logical order of their admission into the Union. As 
the names of the States are all abbreviated, except 
two, I first give the abbreviation exactly as it is on the 
stone, and immediately follow it with the name in full. 

Va. for Virginia ; N. Y. New York ; Mass. Massa- 
chusetts ; N. H. New Hampshire ; N. J. New Jersey ; 
Del. Delaware ; Conn. Connecticut ; Md. Maryland ; 
R. I. Rhode Island ; N. C. North Carolina ;" S. C. 
South Carolina ; Penn. Pennsylvania ; Ga. Georgia ; 
Vt. Vermont; Ky. Kentucky; Tenn. Tennessee ; Ohio; 
La. Louisiana; Ind. Indiana; Miss. JNIississppi; Ills. 
Illinois; Ala. Alabama; Me. INIaine ; Mo. Missouri; 
Ark. Arkansas ; ]\Iich. Michigan ; Tex. Texas ; Fla. 
Florida ; Iowa ; Wis. Wisconsin ; Cal. California ; 
Minn. Minnesota; On. Oregon ; Kan. Kansas; AV. Va. 
West Virginia ; Nev. Nevada; Neb. Nebraska ; ending 
at the left of tlie three blank shields. 

This cordon of States is twenty-three feet above the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 245 

ground, seven feet above the Terrace, and three feet 
below the top of the pedestals on which the four 
groups of statuary are to stand, previously described 
as representing the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, and 
the Navy. The names of the States, as above described, 
and 

LINCOLN, 

in raised letters on the front of the pedestal for his 
statue, constitute the whole of the inscriptions on the 
monument. Figure 8 is a view of one of the four 
round pedestals. 




(Fig. 8.) 

ROUND PEDESTAL. 



This is one of the four for the support of the groups 
of statuary, and is situated at the soiithwest corner of 
the monument, showing that ])art of it above the Ter- 
race. The tablets are all of the same size, but the 
pedestal being round, as it recedes, Missouri, on the 



246 



THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



right, and Illinois, on the left, are apparently dimin- 
ished in width. The left edge of the tablet — 111. — 
forms the inside of the corner, as it joins the sqnare 
base of the obelisk, -which brings 5lississippi on a 
straight surface. The bauds or links connecting the 
tablets are well illustrated. 




(Fig. 9.) 

V. S. COAT OF ARMS. 



The statue of Mr. Lincoln stands on a pedestal pro- 
jecting from the south side of the obelisk, seven feet 
higlier than the four round pedestals. The pedestal 
bearing the statue of Lincoln has the United States 
Coat of Arms, in bronze, sunk in a recess on its front. 
The Coat of Arms, as shown in Figure 9, is somewhat 
modified, and is in bas relief 

It will be observed that the shield, with part of the 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 247 

stars obscured, supports the American Eagle. The 
olive branch on the ground shows, that having been 
tendered until it was spurned by the rebels, it was 
then cast under foot. Then the conflict began, and 
raged until the chain of slavery was torn asunder, oiie 
part remaining grasped in the talons of the eagle, and 
the other held aloft in his beak. The coat of arms, 
in the position it occu])ies on the monument, is intended 
to typity the Constitution of the United States. Mr. Lin- 
coln, on the pedestal above it, makes the whole an illus- 
tration of his position at the outbreak of the rebellion- 
He took his stand on the Constitution, as his authority 
for using the four arms of the war power of the Gov- 
ernment — the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, and the 
Navy, which are to be represented in groups around 
him — to hold together the States, which are represented 
still lower on the monument, by a cordon of tablets, 
linking them together, as it were, in a perpetual bond 
of Union. 

The statue of Lincoln is the central figure in the 
group, or series of groups. There is nothing visible, 
on all the exterior, except granite and bronze. You 
enter the shaft, or obelisk, on a level with the Terrace, 
at the south side, under the statue of Lincoln, and 
ascend the spiral stairway seventy-seven feet, which 
brings you to the platform at the top, previously de- 
scribed. The floor of this platform is made of iron, 
and is ninety-two feet from the ground. The monu- 
ment being on almost as high ground as any within 
several miles of the city, affords a fine prospect of 
Springfield and the surrounding country. Figure 10 
is an accurate representation of the monument from 
the southeast, as it will appear when completed, and as 
it now appears, with the exception of the statuary. 
The door on the ground is the entrance to Memorial 
Hall ; that on the Terrace, the entrance to the obelisk. 
The Catacomb is on the opposite side, and consequently 



248 THE GREAT FUXERAI. CORTEGE, 




NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 
(Photographed by J. Q. A. Tresize, Springfield, 111.) 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 249 

does not appear in this picture, but it is entered by a 
door on tlie ground, the same as that to Memorial Hall. 
In order to make it more easily understood, I will 
recapitulate the dimensions. The base is seventy-two 
and a half feet square, and with the circular projection 
of the Catacomb on the north, and Memorial Hall on 
the south, the extreme length on the ground from north 
to south is one hundred and nineteen and a half feet. 
Height of the Terrace, fifteen feet ten inches. From 
the Terrace to the apex of the Obelisk, eighty-two feet 
six and a half inches. From the grade line to the top 
of the four round pedestals, twenty-eight feet four 
inches, and to the top of the pedestal for the Lincoln 
statue, thirty-five and a half feet. Total height from 
ground line to apex of Obelisk, ninety-eight feet four 
and a half inches. The above measurements Avere 
taken by T. J. Dennis in January, 1872. 



CHAPTER XXY 



I have said that Memorial Hall would be the re- 
ceptacle for articles that had been used by Mr. Lin- 
coln, or in any Avay associated with his memory. 
There is a stone preserved in the Hail, which will 
furnish food for reflection to all lovers of liberty, but 
to those whose meditative faculties are fully developed, 
the study of it will be a rich feast. 

All historians are aware that much of the early his- 
tory of Eome is obscure and traditional, and that some 
of her reputed nilers are regarded, by a portion of the 
early historical writers, as mere creatures of the imag- 
ination, whilst others who are entitled to equal cre- 
dence, regard what is related of them as, in the main, 
true. 

Taking all the light that can be obtained on the sub- 
ject, the following is thought to be a correct version 
of the life of Servius Tullius : He is said to have been 
the sixth king of Rome. It is stated that he ascended 
the throne 578 years before the birth of Christ. He 
was of obscure origin, and his history mingled with 
pagan mythology. It is intimated that one or both of 
his parents were slaves. The policy of his reign was 
to better the condition of the common people by every 
means he could devise, and to raise them to an equality 
with their rulers, so far as the right to life and prop- 
erty was concerned. It is even asserted that he was 
aiming to qualify them to be their own rulers, with a 
view to abolishing the kingly office^ He discharged 
the debts of his indigent subjects from his own private 
revenues, and deprived tho creditor of the power of 
seizing the body of the debtor, restricting him to the 
goods and chattels for the lici_uidation of his claims. 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 251 

At the time his reign commenced, the city was com- 
posed of but four hills: the Palatine, the Tarpeian — 
now called the Capitoline — the Aventine and the Qelian. 
The king manifested his public spirit by adding the 
Viminal,the Esquiline and the Quirinal, making Rome, 
at that ancient date, the city of the seven hills. Hav- 
ing enlarged its boundaries, he enclosed it with a stone 
wall which was ever after called by his own name. His 
reign was eminently peaceful and tempered with kind- 
ness and benevolence. In his efforts to ameliorate the 
condition of the common people, and confer upon them 
the right to take part in the affairs of the State, thus, 
for the first time, making them politically independent, 
he established a constitution for their government. 

Already jealous of his love for the common peojde, 
this last act of the king aroused all the latent malig- 
nity of the wealthy classes, or those claiming to be the 
nobility, and they determined upon his destruction. 
He had no sons, but two daughters, both of whom 
were married. His daughter Tullia put her husband 
to death. Lucius Tarquinius, who had married the 
other daughter, put her to death and then took her sis- 
ter Tullia to wife. Tarquinius ])lotted with the nobles, 
and at the head of an armed mob, in the summer, when 
the commoners were gathering their harvests, he entered 
the forum and seated himself on the throne. The king, 
unconscious of danger, while going from one part of 
the city to another, was struck down and assassinated 
in the streets by some of the followers of his treacher- 
ous and ungrateful son-in-law. His body was left 
■where it fell until the chariot of his daughter Tullia 
was driven over it by her own directions. Thus passed 
away king Servius Tullius, 5o8 years before the birth 
of Christ, in the fortieth year of his reign. 

What were called the walls of Servius Tullius, w,ere 
the walls of Rome for about 700 years, or until the 
reign of the Emperor Aurelius, which commenced in 
the year 138 of the Christian era. 



252 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

The constitution iiiven to the Roman people by Ser- 
vius TuUius, and which is believed to be historical, 
never came into force, but was swept away with all his 
other reforms, soon after his successor ascended the 
throne. Instead of the happy condition in which the 
good king hoped and labored to place the Roman peo- 
ple, they were plunged into the deepest abyss of woe 
by Tarquinius, whose oppressions of the poor were so 
great that many slew themselves, and the historians say, 
that "in the days of Tarquinius, the tyrant, it was hap- 
pier to die than to live/' 

During all the centuries of oppression and tyranny 
through which Rome has grown hoary, there has been 
a chosen few who loved liberty and justice. AVhen 
suffering under the oppressions of the aristocratic class- 
es, they have kept alive by their traditions, as objects 
of fond regret, the memory of the just laws of king 
Servius Tullius. 

Some of these Roman patriots evidently watched 
with intense interest for four long and weary years, the 
struggle in the new world, between liberty on the one 
side and tyranny and oppression on the other. They 
saw it terminate in the destruction of the slave power, 
and the elevation of four millions of the oppressed and 
downtrodden of the human family, to a equal right 
with all other men — to life, liberty and the pursuit of 
happiness. They kept their eyes steadily fixed on the 
man whose head and heart and hands wielded the power 
of the great liberty loving nation to consummate these 
grand achievements. They believed that they saw in 
him an embodiment of all the virtues of their ancient 
king, whose memory they so fondly cherished. 

After his election as President of the United States 
for the second time, and in order to show their appre- 
ciation of his character, and the parallel between the 
lives of Abraham Lincoln and Servius Tullius, these 
Roman patriots took from a fragment of the wall, where 
it had been placed by human hands more than two 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 253 

thousand four hundred years before, a stone, and placed 
upon it an inscription and sent it as a memorial to 
President Lincoln. Figure 11 is a fae shnite of the 
stone, with its inscription. It was engraved from a 
photograph, taken for the purpose after its arrival in 
Springtield. 




(Fig. 11.) 

STONE FROM THE WALIi OP SERTIUS TULLIUS. 



The following is a translation of the inscription : 

" To Abraham Lincoln, President for the second time, of the 
American Republic, citizens of Rome present this stone, from the 
wall of Servius Tullius, by which the memory of each of tliose 
brave assertors of liberty may be associated. Anno, 1865." 

It is a conglomerate sandstone, and Prof. "Worthen, 
State Geologist for Illinois, says that it is possibly an 
artificial one. It is twenty-seven and a half inches 
long, nineteen inches wide, and eight and three-quarter 
inches thick. The lower edge and the side which bears 
the inscription are dressed true; the opposite side 



254 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

sliows the unevenness peculiar to the natural surface 
of a stone — the upper edge and both ends are broken 
as if done with a hammer. 

By authority of the Hon. Shelby M. Cullom and the 
Congressional Records, I give the following as the 
American history of the stone : Something like a year 
after the assassination of President Lincoln, it was dis- 
covei-ed in the basement of the Executive mansion, 
where it had been run over, covered wdth rubbish and 
somewhat defaced. The attention of President John- 
son was called to it, and he caused diligent search to be 
made by the clerks of the Executive mansion, to ascer- 
tain if any letters had been received giving a clue as to 
how or when it came. Not a Avord of anything con- 
nected with it could be found, and all that is positively 
known of its history is the inscri]>tion it bears on its 
face ; yet no person acquainted with the circumstances 
doubts that it really came from the wall of Servius 
Tullius at Rome. 

It is believed that it arrived before the death of 
Mr. Lincoln, and to avoid a newspaper furore, lie 
quietly placed it where it was afterwards found. When 
the stone was discovered it was removed to the Capi- 
tol and placed in the crypt in tlie basement, still de- 
priving the public of any opportunity to see it. Early 
in June, 1870, a joint resolution was introduced into 
the House of Representatives at Washington, instruct- 
ing the architect of the Capitol to transfer it to an 
appropriate place in a conservatory of the United 
States Botanical Gardens. Upon its coming before 
the House, INIr. Cullom moved the following substi- 
tute : "Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert 
that the architect of the Capitol be, and he is hereby 
directed to cause the stone presented to the late Abra- 
ham Lincoln by the patriots of Rome, to be trans- 
ferred to the possession of the National Lincoln Mon- 
ument Association, at Springfield, Illinois, to be placed 
by said Association in the monument now being erect- 
ed to the niemorv of Abraham Lincoln." 



THE NATIONAL LINCOL'X MONUMENT. 255 

In a brief speech, Mr. Cullom presented some very 
foreible reasons why the stone should be jilaoed in the 
monument, and when he closed, the resolution was 
adopted. Passinc^ both Houses, this fiction of Con- 
s:ress wns completed on the 17th of June. The stone 
was boxed and shipped to this city and placed in the 
office of Vice President Dubois, Sept. 15, 1870, where 
it remained until August, 1871, when it was removed 
to i\Temorial Hall. 

That stone was prepared and shipped to Abraham 
Lincoln because his life had thus far been similar to that 
of Servius Tullius. Both sprang from the common peo- 
ple-; both, in their official capacity, did all they could 
to elevate and improve the condition of the common 
people ; both incurred the hatred of those claiming to be 
the nobility, because they were of and for the common 
people ; and both -were assassinated because they were 
endeavoring so to administer their respective govern- 
ments, as to increase the freedom, happiness and pros- 
perity of the common people. Little did those who 
put the inscription on that stone think that the paral- 
lel in the lives of those two rulers would so soon be 
complete, even to the closing tragedy of assassination. 
The death of our martyred President sealed the right to 
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to every human 
being on American soil; but it required twenty-four 
centuries for the blood of Servius Tullius to produce 
its legitimate fruits, in severing the manacles which 
held in bondage the Roman people. King Victor 
Emanuel is deserving of all honor for the part he has 
taken in their elevation ; but they must make another 
stride by educating the masses until they are prepared 
to set aside a kingly government for that of a re])ublic, 
and then they will be acting in the true spirit of their 
ancient ruler. 

There is no beauty in that stone to make it attract- 
ive, but the association of ideas that cluster around it 
will always cause it to be an object of interest. Dur- 



256 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

ing the time that has elapsed since it was placed by 
human hands in the wall surrounding the city of Rome, 
continents have been discovered ; empires have risen 
and fallen ; and more than seventy generations of hu- 
man beings have sprung from the earth, acted their 
busy parts and sunk back into its bosom. Servius 
Tullius at the beginning and Abraham Lincoln at the 
close of that long period of time, Avere influenced by 
the same spirit of humanity. Both loved and trusted 
the common people, and both were loved and trusted 
in return ; and because of that mutual love, both were 
assassinated by the minions of tyranny and oppression. 
The object of the Roman patriots is attained — the names 
of "those brave assertors of liberty" are and will be 
associated from this time henceforth. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



In the preceding chapters I have endeavored to de- 
scribe the appearance which the structure will present 
when completed. We will now see what has really 
been done. Mr. Mead, who is a sculptor by profession, 
does not pretend to be an architect. After studying 
out the general design for the ISIonument, he secured 
the services of Mr. Russell Sturgis, Jr., Secretary of 
the American Institute of Architects, located in New 
York city, to prepare his drawings, and after they were 
completed, Mr. Me^ad submitted them to that associa- 
tion for criticism by its members, particularly with 
reference to its proportions, and they gave it their un- 
qualified approval. When the Association was about 
to adopt it because of its general beauty, they required 
improvements in some of the minor details. The most 
important change was made at the suggestion of INIr. 
T. J. Dennis, one of the members of the Association, 
who prepared drawings for the purpose. It was that 
of substituting the present granite balustrade and para- 
pet for the metalic railing originally designed. As soon 
as arrangements were perfected for going forward with 
the building, the necessary drawings and specifications 
for/the guidance of the stone cutters were prepared by 
Mr. Dennis and placed in the hands of the contractor, 
Mr. Richardson, who, after having some of them re- 
drawn, conveyed them to the stone cutters at Lemont, 
near Joliet, Illinois, and the granite quarries at Quin- 
cy, INIassachusetts, where each piece was cut, dressed 
and numbered before beiug shipped to its destination. 
17 



258 THE GEEAT FUXEPvAL CORTEGE, 

As already stated, ground was broken September & 
1869, and the massive foundation was completed before 
the close of that year. When the spring of 1870 opened, 
Mr. Richardson luid materials ready to commence the 
work on the superstructure. He pushed it steadily 
forward with a full force of men, ex})ecting to finish 
it during 1870, but there was so much delay on the 
part of the railroads in bringing the granite on the 
ground that it was found impossible to finish it within 
the building season. 

Work was resumed early in the spring of 1871, and 
the cap stone was elevated to its position on the obelisk 
Monday morning, j\lay 22, without any ceremonials 
whatever. That did not complete the work, however, 
for there was still more to do on the Catacomb, Memo- 
rial Hall, and other parts of the terrace. 

It will be remembered that on the seventh of ^lay, 
1809, orders were given by the Association for Mr. 
Mead to proceed with the work, and prepare the mod- 
els for the statue of Lincoln and the coat of arms of 
the United States. A newspaper called La Riforma, 
published in Florence, Italy, in its issue of February 
22, 1870, criticises Mr. Mead's work on the model of 
Lincoln, then far advanced towards completion. The 
article was translated by Mr. A. Alvey of this city, 
and published in the Register. From his translation I 
make the following quotations : 

" The statue wliich will arise in colossal proportions from the 
inoimment holds in the left hand a scroll upon which is written 
'Emancipation,' and in the other the pen with which Lincoln 
blotted from human history the stain of slavery. As a sypibol 
of Uniou, to which he devoted his existence, the fasces are placed 
near the statue, upon which is thrown, in relief, the glorious ban- 
ner of the republic * * * At the foot of the Aisces reclines 
a crown of laurel, that crown Avliich mankind has unanimously 
placed upon the head of the great citizen. 

" But art stops when life is to be infused into inert matter, and 
then inspiration must be summoned to express the feeling and 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUME.NT. 259 

sciitiiuent of a soul, which reflects, as in a mirror, the gran- 
deur of the hero whose figure she would model. * * * 
lu this work, Mr. Mead has surpassed our expectations. * * * 
The Florentines admire the Avoi-ks of Mr. Mead, and desire to do 
homage to the memor3^ of Lincoln, who no longer belongs exclu- 
sively to America, but to the whole world, an honor to the human 
race." 

Hon. W. M. Springer, also of Springfield, while 
tniveling in Europe, spent several weeks in Florence 
when Mr. INIead was at work on the bust and features 
of Mr. Lincoln. He sent a translation of the criticism 
in La Riforma to the Journal of this place. In his 
accompanying letter he says : " The comments of the 
Florentine papers are very complimentary, and you 
have a right to conclude that the statue merits all that 
is said of it. Here, where are found the finest works 
of Michael Angelo and Canova, and the renowned 
chefs d'ceuvre of Greek sculpture, every w^ork of this 
kind must stand upon its OAvn merits. All who have 
seen Mr. Mead's statue of Mr. Lincoln admire it." 
The engraving of the coat of arms in this volume is 
from a photograph by L. Powers, a son of Hiram 
Powers, who has a gallery adjoining the studio of liis 
father in Florence. It was a present> from Mr. Mead 
to Mrs. Springer. 

The models of the statue and coat of arms were 
completed and shipped to C'hicopee, Massachusetts, ar- 
riving there in the latter part of October, 1870. Hon. 
J. C Conkling of this city, a long and intimate friend 
of Mr. Lincoln, w^as at Chicopee in December, and his 
description of both models are similar to those previ- 
ously given. 

Thomas Lincoln (Tad), the youngest son of Presi- 
dent I^incoln, after having spent the greater part of 
his time in Germany since the death of his father, re- 
turned with his mother to America early in 187L In 
crossing the Atlantic he contracted a severe cold, which 
terminated in his death at Chicago, July 15, 1871. 



260 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

The mouument was not completed, but the Catacomb 
was far enough advanced to be occupied, and on Mon- 
day, the seventeenth of July, the remains were brought 
to Springfield and deposited in the west one of the Hve 
crypts — that which is at the extreme right on entering 
the vestibule. 

At a meeting of the Association August 22, Gover- 
nor Oglesby was instructed to confer with Judge David 
Davis of Bloomington and Robert T. Lincoln of Chi- 
cago, and they three were to agree upon a day for the 
removal of the remains of President Lincoln. After 
consultation they named September 19, at three o'clock 
p. m. The removal was intended to be done privately, 
a few personal friends only being notified. At the 
time appointed there were about two hundred persons 
at the monument to witness the event. Of the fifteen 
members of the Association, thirteen were present, 
namely, Oglesby, Dubois, Miner, Stuart, Conkling, 
Williams, Bunn, Bateman, Treat, Hatch, Melvin, Bev- 
eridge and Phillips. 

When the remains were removed, December, 21, 
LSG5, Jesse Iv. Dubois, Newton Bateman, D. L. Phil- 
lips, O. M. Hatch and O. H, Miner, members of the 
.Association, signed a paper stating that it was the 
body of Abraham Lincoln beyond a doubt. In mak- 
ing their preparations for removal on the forenoon of 
September 19, 1871, it was thought that tlie embalm- 
ing was a failure, and the remains were changed from 
the wooden coffin in which they were brought from 
Wasliington and placed in a metalic casket. The 
same members of the Association viewed the corpse, 
and again signed a paper testifying to th6. identity of 
the body. About four o'clock in the afternoon, the 
<;asket Avas conveyed to the Catacomb and deposited 
in the central crypt. As the time approached for the 
dedication, the Association made arrangements for 
transferring the remains to a marble Sarcophagus. 
They had ail things in readiness, and on Friday even- 



AKD THE NATIONAL T.INCOT>N MOXUMKXT. 201 

ins:, about seven o'clock, Oct. 9, 1874, the bodv M-as 
removed from the casket to a red cedar coffin lined 
with lead. The remains were found to be in a good 
state of preservation, and readily recognized as the 
true body of Abraham Lincoln. The transfer was 
made by Thomas C. Smith, undertaker, and soldered 
air tiglit by Col. A. J. Babcock. The coffin was then 
placed in the Sarcophagus, which was deposited in the 
central crypt of the catacomb, and the evidence of 
identity preserved unbroken by the same five gentle- 
men signing a paper similar to the two previous ones. 
All three certificates are on file with the Secretary 
of the Association. The central crypt is lined with 
fine polished marble. The bodies of Willie and Eddie 
were placed together September 19, 1871, in the crypt 
to the right, or west, of that in which Mr. Lincoln 
rests. The body of Thomas (Tad), as previously stated, 
is in the crypt to the west, or extreme right, on enter- 
ing the vestibule. The father and three sons are re- 
posing near each other in this National Mausoleum. 
rhe two crypts on the left, or to the east, are unoccu- 
pied, and are intended for the only two remaining 
members of the family. They are closed as though 
tliey were occupied. Figure 6 presents the appearance 
of tiie crypts before the marble panel work, supported 
by Doric columns, and extending in dome groined 
arches to form the ceiling, were put in. Now the cen- 
tral crypt only is visible, with the Saracophagus bear- 
ing on its front the inscription — 

"With malice towards uoue, with charity for all." 

LINCOLN. 

The name is surrounded by a wreath of oak boughs. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



The reader will doubtless be interested in knowing 
how the money was raised to accomplish so much. By 
the courtesy of the treasurer, the Hon. James H. Bev- 
eridge, it has been my privilege to examine his books, 
and a little explanation will be of some advantage. As 
the money came in, an entry was made' in a journal, 
prepared expressly for that purpose, of eadh contribu- 
tion, giving the date of its reception, number on the 
journal, name of the person or society contributing, 
place of residence or location, and amount. For every- 
thing, except Sunday schools, this is all the record. 
The whole number of entries in the journal is 5145, 
and of these 1697 are Sunday schools. Besides enter- 
ing the Sunday schools on the journal, there is another 
book prepared for them alone. The names of more 
than sixty thousand children are enrolled in this book. 
The total amount of their contributions is about twenty 
thousand dollars. Every superintendent was requested 
to send a roll of the names of the children, Avith the 
amount contributed by each. The record begins with 
the name of the school, where located, and the name 
of the superintendent, followed by the names of the 
children and amounts of their contributions. After the 
design was adopted, those who contributed not less 
than hfty cents, received in return a fine steel engraving 
of the monument, as it will appear when the statuary 
is placed on it. 

The following extracts from the journal of the Asso- 
ciation, taken at random, will give some idea of the 
great variety of persons and organizations contributing 
to the fund : 



THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 263 

The first entry was made May 8, 1865, and was from 
Isaac Reed & Co., New York citv, $100; Excelsior 
Lodge, No. 97, F. & A. Masons, Freeport, 111., §25 ; 
St. Annes's Council, U. L. A., No. 1234, Kendall 
county. 111.; Big Thunder Lodge, No. 28, I. O. of 
Good Templars, Belvidere, 111. ; Olive Branch Lodge, 
No. 15, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Canton, 
111. ; Third Presbyterian Church, Springfield, III. ; 
Second Presbyterian Church, Springfield, 111 ; Ger- 
man Lutheran Church, Springfield, 111., and nearly 
all the other churches in Springfield ; First Universal- 
ist Church, Sugar Grove and l^lackberrv, 111. ; First 
M. E. Church, Springfield, 111.; 118th Mounted In- 
fantry, Baton Rouge, La. ; Cumberland Presbyterian 
Sunday School, at Lincoln, 111. This is the first con- 
tribution from a Sunday school, and it is remarkable 
that it comes from a town named by some personal 
friends for Abraham Lincoln, when his only fame was 
that of being a good and honest lawyer. Congrega- 
tional Church, Clifton, 111. ; Baptist Church, Towanda, 
111. ; Ladies' Aid Society, Fairfield, Iowa ; St. Mary's 
Church, Protestant Episcopal, Bloomington, 111. ; Citi- 
zens of Chelsea, Mass. ; M. E. Church, A Itoona, Penn. ; 
Presbyterian Church, Omaha, Neb. ; Colored Citizens 
of Cairo, 111. ; Hebrew Citizens of Alton, 111 ; Hobart 
Church, Oneida Indians, Oneida, Wis. ; United Breth- 
ren Church, Dayton, Ohio. The 73d Regiment U. S. 
Colored Troops, at New Orleans, La., contributed 
$1437, a greater amount than was given by any other 
individual or organization, except the State of Illinois. 

It Avas not luitil the latter part of June that the 
Sunday schools began to report in large numbers, when 
page after page of the journal was filled with their 
contributions. At the same time, reports would come 
from a L^. S. war steamer, with a long list of contribu- 
tions ; then from a U. S. army hospital, then Sunday 
schools, another U. S. steamship, a regiment in Missis- 
sippi, another at Washington, then one in Tennessee, 



264 THE GREAT FUXEEAL CORTEGE, 

still another from Arkansas, some white and some col- 
ored. Then more Snnday schools, Naval Hospital at 
Portsmouth, Virginia; a colored regiment, Sunday 
schools, a Hebx'ew congregation at St. Joseph, Mo, ; 
Sunday schools, M. E. Church in Massachusetts, from 
a Congregational Church in AViseonsin, a Presbyterian 
Church in Pennsylvania, Baptist Church in Michigan, 
Episcopal Church in Illinois ; roll of contributors from 
a colored regiment fills twenty three pages; Hebrew 
congregation in Philadelphia, and a Presbyterian Sun- 
day school at Aurora, Indiana. An American mis- 
sionary, from his flvr-off field in Hong Kong, China, 
sends his contribution, to help build the monument to 
the memory of Abraham Lincoln. A Methodist Sun- 
day school, away up in Seattle, Alaska, sends twenty 
dollars for the same purpose. Then comes a contribu- 
tion from the superintendent of public instruction at 
Memphis, Tennessee. More Sunday schools, more 
Masonic, Odd Fellows, and Good Templars' lodges. 
More Sunday schools, from the east, M'est, north, and 
some from the south, of almost every denomination of 
Christians. Citizens of New York city contributed 
nearly five thousand dollars. Citizens of Boston and 
Stockbridge, Mass., contributed nearly fifteen hun- 
dred dollars. More Sunday schools — Sunday schools, 
lodges, churches, Sunday schools, and so it continues, 
page after page, throughout the journal. 

JNIuch the largest part of the money was contributed 
during the year 18«)5, but contributions continued to 
come, decreasing in number, until the early part of 
1870. A contribution came, February 2, 1870, from a 
Methodist Sunday school at Smithtown Brancli, ^lass. 
On the sixty-first anniversary of the birth of Abraham 
Lincoln, namely, February 9, 1870, a contribution of 
$500 in gold was received from the State of Nevada, 
by her large hearted Governor, Henry G. Blasdel. 
One hundred dollars in gold was received on the 
eleventh of March, following, from the Secretary of 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 265 

the State of Nevada, as the contribution of the moni- 
bers of the Legislature and officers of that State. For 
a long time it appeared as if no more voluntary offer- 
ings would come into the treasury, but in December, 

1870, a contribution of $10 was received from a gen- 
tleman in St. Louis, and on the twenty-second of the 
month 115.22 was received from a Presbyterian Sun- 
day school at Princeton, Illinois. 

•Another pause ensues, until JNIay 12, 1871, when $25 
was received from a citizen of Sangamon county, Illi- 
nois, and on- the fifth of June, $5, from a citizen of 
Belvidere, Illinois, On the twenty-fourth of June, |5 
was received from a Methodist Sunday school at Green- 
wich, New York, and on the same day, $198 was re- 
ported as the contribution of the Second Presbyterian 
Sunday School of Springfield, Illinois, November 25,. 

1871, a contribution of $50 is recorded from a citizen 
of Geneva, Illinois, A report of the contributions for 
procuring the groups of statuary can be seen in the 
twentieth chapter, and for ornamenting the monument 
grounds, in the twenty-first chapter. 

Only three States have made contributions to the 
fund, without reserve, Illinois, by an act of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, approved January 29, 1867, appropri- 
ated fifty thousand dollars. The money was not to be 
drawn from the State treasury until it was needed to 
pay out on the Avork. It has been drawn and applied 
as contemplated in the law. The State of Missouri 
appropriated one thousand dollars — a draft from Gov- 
ernor Fletcher, for that amount, came into the hands 
of the treasurer of the Association, April 18, 1868 — 
and the State of Nevada $500, as already stated, 

INIen may object to giving assistance, and say it is an 
enterprise that belongs to Illinois. That State has 
acknowledged the honor of having been the chosen 
home of Al)raham Lincoln, by her contribution of fifty 
thousand dollars, and has put her name in the most 
obscure place on the monument. If any other four 



266 THE GREAT FUNERAT. CORTEGE, 

States were to combine, and do as much as Illinois, 
the}' would justly be regarded as liberal, and yet 
it is not a State, but a National Monument. As evi- 
dence of this, I need only refer to the great extent of 
country from which the contributions already received 
have come. They were made up, too, by all classes of 
people, and by organizations of almost every kind. 

There can be but o)te National Monument to the 
memorv of Abraham Lincoln, and that only can be a 
National Monument which contains his remains; who, 
at the time of his death, was the head of the nation, 
and was slain because he was its Chief Magistrate. 
This is even more than a National Monument, it is 
cosmopolitan in its character. His love included all 
mankind, and all the liberty loving portion of the hu- 
man family extended their love to him. I might fill 
page after page with quotations from articles written 
in all parts of the world, expressing sorrow for his 
death. These expressions were so numerous that the 
United States Congress, in order to preserve them in a 
separate form, by a joint resolution of both houses, 
approved March 2, 1867, 

Resolved, That, in addition to tlie niunber of copies of papers 
relating to foreign affairs uow authorized by law, there shall be 
printed for distribution bj' the Department of State, on fine paper, 
with wide margin, a sufficient number of copies of the appendix 
to the diplomatic correspondence of 1865, to supply one copy to 
each Senator and each Representative of the Tliirty-uinth Con- 
gress, and to each foreign government, and one copy to each cor- 
poration, association or public body, whose expressions of condo- 
lence or sympathy are publislied in this volume; one hundred of 
these copies to be bound in full Turkey morocco, full gilt, and the 
rennuning copies to be bound in half Turkey morocco, marble 
edged. 

Under this resolution, a volume of nine hundred and 
thirty quarto pages was published, making a book 
almost as large as Webster's unabridged dictionary. It 



AND THE NATIONAT. LINCOLN MONUMENT. 267 

contains " expressions of condolence and sympathy," 
on account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, 
from the governments, associations or individuals, in 
some official capacity, from the following countries, in 
alphabetical order. I give the name of each country, 
and the number of parties from whom documents were 
received : 

Austria, nine ; Argentine Republic, nine ; Belgium, 
seven ; Brunswick, one ; Baden, Duchy of, four ; Bra- 
zil, six ; Bolivia, one ; Chili, seventeen ; Costa Eica, 
six ; China, two ; Denmark, four ; Equador, five ; 
Egypt, two ; France, one hundred and fifty — forty- 
seven of which were from the press ; Great Britain 
and her dependencies, including both houses of Parlia- 
ment and Queen Victoria, many cities and towns 
throughout the kingdom, the island of Nassau, the 
Bahamas, Bengal and Calcutta, India, Cape Town and 
the gold coast of Africa, Dominion of Canada, with 
many of her cities east and west, Ireland, Scotland, 
Australia, islands of Guernsey, Bermuda, Jamaica and 
Vancouver, New South Wales and Nova Scotia. The 
addresses received from all these sources were four 
hundred and sixty -five, including twenty-nine from the 
press. Greece, one ; Honduras, one ; Hanseatic Re- 
publics, including the free cities of Bremen, Hamburg 
and Lubec, seven ; Hesse Darmstadt, Duchy of, two ; 
Hawaian Islands, four ; Hayti, one ; Italy, seventy- 
two, outside of Rome ; Japan, two ; Liberia, five ; 
Mexico, six ; Morocco, one ; the Netherlands, including 
the Hague, four ; Nicaragua, three ; Prussia, seven- 
teen ; Portugal, eighteen ; Peru, eleven ; Russia, eight ; 
Rome, four ; Spain, nineteen ; Sweden and Norway, 
nine ; Saxe Meiningen, one ; Switzerland, one hundred 
and thirty-six; San Salvador, three; United States of 
Columbia, twenty -three ; Uraguay, three ; A^'enezuela, 
six ; AVurtemburg, three ; United States of America, 
sixty-eight. These latter were, to a great extent, made 
up of societies composed of foreigners residing in the 



268 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

different cities of the Union. The total nnmber, from 
all sources, is eleven hundred and sixty-eight. They 
contain some of the finest sentiments that words can 
express. They are nearly all written in prose, with a 
small number in poetry. I insert a single communica- 
tion of the latter class. It was written by ]SIiss Grace 
W. Gray, an invalid lady of Northampton, England, 
and sent to Charles F. Adams, our minister to that na- 
tion, with a request that it be forwarded to Mrs. Lin- 
coln. It is an accrostic, and in the number of lines, 
it would also be a sonnet, if the versification had been 
arranged for that purpose : 

"A nation — nor one onl}- — mourns tliy loss, 
Brave Lincoln, and witli voice unanimous 
Raise to th}' deathless memory 
A dirge-like song of all tli}' noble deeds. 
High let it rise; and I, too, fain would add 
A loving tribute to thy priceless worth, 
More widely known since banished from the earth. 

" Laurel shall now thy brow entwine, 
In memory's ever-faithful shrine; 
Nor shall it fade Avhen earth dissolves. 
Caught up to meet thee in tlie air, 
Old age and j-outh shall bless thee there; 
Love shall her grateful tribute pay, 
Nor cease through heaven's eternal day." 

Resolutions and other expressions, by legislative 
bodies, corporations, voluntary societies and public 
assemblies called for the occasion, one and all, ex- 
pressed in unmistakable terms their horror at the 
crime, and the warmest sympathy and condolence Avith 
the bereaved family of tlie I'resident and the American 
people ; but from the very nature of things, thev jiar- 
took too much of formality to express the finer feel- 
ings of the heart. These latter could only be found in 
the public journals. Of the former class, I make a 



AXD THE XATIONAL LINCOLN ]\rONU^rENT. 2()9 

single selection of part of an utterance in four where- 
ases and six resolutions, from the government of Li- 
beria : 

Besolved, By the President of the Republic of Liberia and Ids 
Cabi7iet, in council, Tliat it is with sincere regret and pain, as well 
as with feelings of horror and indignation, the government of Li- 
beria has heard of the foul assassination of Abraham Lincoln, late 
President of the United States of America. 

Besolved, That the government and people of Liberia deeply 
s)mipathize with the government and people of the United States, 
iu the sad loss they have sustained by the death of so wise, so 
just, so efficient, so vigorous, and yet so merciful a ruler. 

Besolved, That while with due sorrow the government and peo- 
ple of Liberia weep with those tliat mourn tlie loss of so good and 
great a chief, they are, nevertheless, mindful of the loss they them- 
selves have experienced in the death of the great philanthropist 
whose virtues can never cease to be told so long as the Eepublic 
of Liberia shall endure ; so long as there survives a member of 
the negro race to tell of the chains that have been broken ; of the 
griefs that have been allayed ; of the broken hearts that have been 
bound up by him who, as it were a new creation, breathed life into 
four millions of that race whom he found oppressed and degraded. 

From a large number of French papers, I select a 
single paragraph, from the Siecle of April 30, 1865 : 

" I pause to pay a tribute of homage to the memory of Abraham 
Lincoln ; he will have been the apostle and the martyr of freedom. 
The cause of slaver}^ could only be put an end to bj'' assassination. 
It dies as it has lived, the dagger in hand. What a lost cause! 
What a dishonored cause ! The frightful drama of Golgotha is the 
purchase of the disinherited. The blood of the just is invariabl}^ 
the ransom of the slaves." 

We have heretofore regarded the people of South 
America as not more than half civilized, but in all the 
hundreds of papers on the death of Abraham Lincoln, 
there is none that exhibits more accurate and discrim- 



270 THE GREAT FUXEEAL CORTEGE, 

inating knowledge of our history, and that for sub- 
limity of thought and deep pathos, excels that written 
by the Hon. Salvador Camacho Roldan, and translated 
from La Opinion, Bogota, June 7, 1865 ; from which I 
make some brief extracts. After stating in the most 
clear and concise language, the causes of our civil war 
and the difficulties in the path of President Lincoln, 
the Avriter says : "There is in his last words something 
of the fire of the old prophets," and then proceeds to 
quote from his inaugural address of March 4, 1865 : 

" Fondl}'- do we liope, fervently do we pray, that this miuhty 
scourge of war may soon pass away. Yet if God wills that it cou- 
tiuue nntil the wealth piled by the bondman's two hundred and 
fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop 
of blood drawn by the lash be paid by another drawn with the 
sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be 
said, 'the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether." 

The writer continues : 

"And that nothing should be wanting to complete the grandeur 
of liis life, the hand of crime snatched it from him in the midst of tiie 
triumph of his cause, and bound his temples, already pale from the 
vigils and anguish of four years, with the resplendent crown of 
the martyr. 

"Abraham Lincoln is dead, but his work is finished and sealed 
with the veneration which God has given to the blood of martyrs. 
He who was yesterday a man, is to-day an apostle ; he wlio was the 
centre at which the shots of malice and hatred were aimed, is to-day 
a prestige, sacred and irresistible. His voice is louder and more po- 
tent from the mansion of martyrs, than from the Ca])itol, and the 
cry which was loudly raised among the living, is mute before the 
majesty of the tomb. 

"Abraham Lincoln passes to the side of Washington — the one 
the father, and the other the saviour of a great nation. The tra- 
ditions, pure and stainless, of the early times of the republic, 
broken at the close of the administration of the second Adams, 
wore restored in the martyr of Ford's Theatre; and the predomi- 
nance of material interests which has heretofore obscured tiie 
country of Franklin, will abdicate the field to the prelacy of 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 271 

moral ideas, of justice, of equality, and of reparation. Tlie whip 
has dropped from the hand of the overseer; the bloodhound will 
hunt no more the fugitive slave in the mangrove swamps of the 
Mississippi ; tlie hammer of the auctioneer of negroes has struck 
for the last time on his platform, and its baleful sound has died 
into eternal silence. The sacred ties of love which unite the 
hearts of slaves will not again be broken by the forced separation 
of husbands and wives, parents and children. Tlie unnatural and 
infamous consort between the words libertj^ and slavery is dis- 
solved forever; and liberty! liberty! will be the cry which shall 
run from the Atlantic to' the Pacific, and from the northern lakes 
to the Gulf of Mexico. This great work has cost a great price. 
Humanity will liave to mourn yet many years to come the hor- 
rors of that civil war ; but above the blood of its victims, above 
the bones of its dead, above the ashes of desolated hearths, will 
arise the great figure of Abralmm Lincoln, as the most acceptable 
sacrifice offered by the nineteenth century iu expiation of the 
great crime of the sixteenth. Above all the anguish and tears of 
that immense hecatomb will appear the shade of Lincoln as the 
symbol of hope and pardon." 

These expressions of condolence and sympathy were 
written in not less than twenty-five of the leading 
languages of the world, but when translated into our 
own, they one and all convey such true appreciation 
of the motives that governed the life of Abraham 
Lincoln, as leads us to believe that the language of 
freedom is everywhere the same. I believe it may be 
truthfully said, that there is not a man under the whole 
canopy of heaven, that loves liberty for liberty's sake, 
who does not feel that, when Abraham Lincoln was 
struck down, he lost a brother, for his love included 
all mankind. 

A copy of the book containing these expressions of 
condolence and sympathy, also tlie books, papers and 
letters of the Monument Association will be placed in 
Memorial Hall. A package of the original documents 
sent to ISIrs. Lincoln and the officers of the United 
States government, after the death of Mr. Lincoln. 



2<2 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE. 

wa.* forwarded by Eobcrt T. Lincoln to tlie Hon. 
Jolin T. Stuart in Deecnil)cr, 1871, are framed and 
placed in Memorial Hall. A small number of them 
are on paper, but much the largest number are on either 
parchment or vellum. They are of all sizes, from 
eight by ten inches to eighteen by twenty-four. Among 
them are Some very fine specimens of pen-printing. 
Thev will be highly valued for their ornamental ap- 
pearance. Twenty -two of them are the originals of 
those contained in the book published by Congress. 
I will mention them in something like the order in 
which they appear in that book. 

In the borough of Blackburn, county of Lancaster, 
England, a meeting was held ^lay 2, 1865, and an ad- 
dress issued to Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Seward and their 
families. In this address the sentiment is expressed, 
that when the exigencies of a nation demand a great 
leader, God always sends the man for the time, and that 
Abraham Lincoln was raised up for the special pur- 
pose of leading our government through the perils of 
the rebellion, and to let the oppressed go free. Although 
the language varies, there is a similarity in the senti- 
ments running through them all, therefore I shall 
simply give the dates and places from whence they 
came : 

Belfast, Ireland, ISIav 8, 1865. 

Dublin, Ireland, May 1, 1865. 

Borough of I^aneaster, England, May 3, 1865. 

City Council of Liverpool,"England, May 3, 1865. 

City of Leeds, England, May 1, 1865. 

Workingmen of London, England, May 4, 1865. 
Their words of patriotism and love of freedom are so 
clear, that they seem' to be Americans. Their address 
comes on a large piece of parchment, with fifty-five 
signatures. 

The Emancipation Society, at St. James Hall, Lon- 
don, April 29, 1865. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 273 

British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, London, 
May 5, 1865. 

Temple Discussion Forum, of London, without date. 

Atlantic Telegraph Company, from the London of- 
fice, May 8, 1865. 

New England Society, of Montreal, Canada, April 
19, 1865. 

Municipal Council of Northampton, England, IMay 
1, 1865, Two copies, on vellum ; one to the govern- 
ment archives at Washington, the other to Mrs. Lin- 
coln. 

Municipal Council of Oldham, England May 1 and 
3, 1865. 

Town Council of Paisley, Scotland, May 6, 1865. 

The inhabitants of Plaistow, England, without date. 

Municipal Council of Rochdale, Scotland, May 4, 
1865. 

Sheffield Secular Society, England, without date. 

The inhabitants of Southport, England, May 6, 1865. 

Parish of St. Pancras, county of Middlesex, England, 
May 10, 1865. 

Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York, 
New York city, April 22, 1865. 

Board of Managers of the Missionary Society of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, 200 Mulberry street. New 
York, April 24, 1865. 

The following do not appear in the book published 
by Congress, but on the parchments only : 

From the Aldermen and Burgesses of the city of 
Liverpool, England, May 3, 1865. 

The inhabitants of Gateshead, England, May 4, 1865. 

Ladies of the London Emancipation Society, to Mrs. 
Lincoln, without date. 

St. George's Society, Quebec, Dominion of Canada, 
April 24, 1865. 

Montgomery Lodge No. 19, Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons, Philadelphia, May 4, 1865. 

Friends, or Quakers, of Kendall, England, to the 
18 



274 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

widow and children of Abraham Lincoln, withont date. 
This parcliment contains sixty-seven autog-raph names, 
abont one-third beinsj women. 

^lercantile Lil)rarv Company sent a piece of parch- 
ment, with some very neatly expressed sentiments 
and fifteen signatures, but it is without date or loca- 
tion. 

The St. Andrew's Scottish Benevolent Society of San 
Francisco, California, April 17, 1865. Their expres- 
sions are recorded on a fine piece of vellum, and at- 
tached to a roller, heavilv plated with gold. 

Declarations of the Bishop and Clergy of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of Illinois, 
April 19, 1865. These are neatly engrossed on a piece 
of vellum, eighteen bv twentv-four inches, and signed 
bv Bishop Whitehouse and fifty-one of the clergy of 
his diocese. 

Among the number there is one very fine piece of 
parchment, which has nothing on its face to show 
whether it was prepared before or after Mr. Lincoln's 
death. It is a series of joint resolutions of the Select 
and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia, in- 
viting Abraham Lincoln to visit that city on his way 
to Washington, to be inaugurated President of the 
United States. It contains the names of the committee 
of invitation, consisting of six members of each coun- 
cil, and was ap]n'oved bv the Mayor, Alexander Henry, 
February 14, 1861. 

On the morning of Saturday, April 29, 1871, the 
Hon. Sharon Tyndale, of Springfield, arose from his 
bed about one o'clock, took an affectionate leave of his 
family, and started to the depot of the Chicago and St. 
Louis Railroad, with the intention of visiting Belle- 
ville. At davlight his body Mas found, about a square 
from his residence, lying on its face, with a pistol shot 
through his head. The wound was almost like that 
which caused the death of Mr. Lincoln. Large re- 
wards were offered for the arrest of the assassins, but 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 275 

there lias never been the slightest clue as to who they 
were. 

At the annual meeting of the Association, May 11, 
1871, a committee was appointed who reported the fol- 
lowing resolutions, wdiich were adopted and ordered to 
be spread upon the record : 

Be.wlved, Tliat in the death of the Hon. Shnron Tyiidale, one 
of the corporators of the National Lincoln Jlonnnient Assocu\- 
tion, and the first of that number who has departed this life, this 
Association has lost one of the most earnest, faithful and valued 
members — one who cherished the memory of Abraham Lincoln 
with sincere and patriotic devotion, and who gave his time and 
tliought, gladly and without stint, to promote tlie success of the 
enterprise for which this corporation Avas created. 

Resolved, That we recall with grateful emotions the unvarying 
courtesy and kindness of the deceased, as a member of this body; 
his exalted conception of the historic significance of the proposed 
monument; his strong desire tliat the structure should be worthy 
of the great name to be honored and perpetuated by it, and his 
many valuable services and suggestions as the work was begun 
and carried forward. 

Resolved, Tiiat the cruel assassination of Mr. Tyndale derives a 
blacker coloring of atrocity from liis singularly benevoleent and 
philanthropic nature, and his well known kindness of disposition, 
and that we earnestly join in the general wish that his inhuman 
murderers ma}- yet be arrested, convicted and punished. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded, with 
assurances of our deep and respectful sympathy, to the afflicted 
widow and faniilj^ of the deceased. 

Newton Bate.man, ~\ 

David L. Phillips, \- Committee. 

James C. Conkling, J 

At the same meeting, upon the suggestion of Hon. 
O. M. Hatch, Gov. John M. Palmer was elected a 
member of the Association, to till the vacancy occa- 
sioned by the death of Mr. Tyndale. ^Vith this ex- 
ception, there has never been any change in the mem- 
bership, from the organization of the Association. 



276 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Clinton L. Conkling, the first secretary, was never 
a member of the Association, but served as secretary 
until December 28, 1865, when he tendered his resigna- 
tion, which was accepted January 18, 1866. Hon, O. 
M. Hatch was then elected secretary, Avhich he accepted, 
and has continued to serve until the present time. The 
Association is at present composed of ex-Gov. R. J. 
Oglesby, President ; Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, A^ice Presi- 
dent; Hon. James H. Beveridge, Treasurer; Hon. O. 
M. Hatch, Secretary ; Hon. O. H. Miner, Hon. John 
T. Stuart, Hon. James C. Conkling, John Williams, 
Thomas J. Dennis, Jacob Bunn, Hon. Newton Bate- 
man, Hon. S. H. Treat, Hon. D. L. Phillips, Dr. S. H. 
Melvin, and Gov. John M. Palmer. 

The Executive Committee, appointed when the work 
commenced, namely, the Hon. John T. Stuart, Jacob 
Bunn, and John Williams, has continued to superin- 
tend it to the present time. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



Soon after the National Lincoln Monument Associ- 
ation was organized, it announced its intention to 
raise two linndred and fifty thousand dollars for the 
purpose of building a monument to the memory of 
Abraham Lincoln. There was but one contribution 
made, the payment of which was dependent on the 
amount named being raised. The Legislature of the 
State of New York, at its first or second session, after 
the Association was organized, appropriated ten thou- 
sand dollars, to be paid to the National Lincoln Mon- 
ument Association at Springfiield, Illinois, when two 
hundred and forty thousand dollars were raised from 
other sources. As that amount -was never collected, 
the appropriation lapsed, but another law was enacted 
in February, 1872, appropriating the same amount, 
to be paid when a sworn statement of the amount ex- 
pended by the Association was placed in the hands of 
the Comptroller of the State of New York. That 
statement was duly forwarded, and a draft for the 
amount was received by the Treasurer of the National 
Lincoln Monument Association, November 15, 1872. 

A single incident will illustrate how easy it would 
have been to raise money in many other places, with 
the proper exciting cause. An aged colored woman, 
Charlotte Scott, who had received her freedom inVir- 
ginia by the Emancipation Proclamation, was living 
at Marietta, Ohio, when President Lincoln was assas- 
sinated. She at once said : "The colored people have 
lost tiieir best friend on earth ; Mr. Lincoln was our 
best friend, and I will give five dollars of my wages 
towards building a monument to his memory." This 
circumstance being related in the Missouri Democrat, 



278 THE GREAT FFNERAL CORTEGE, 

of AFav 2, 1 865, caused more than sixteen tlioiisand 
dollars to be raised bv the colored people. The fund 
-was held in St. Louis bv Hon. James E. Yeatman for 
several years, but was pledged to the National Lin- 
coln ]\ronument Association at AVashington City. 

From the time ground was broken in the autumn of 
1869, until the spring of 1871, the structure arose 
steadily and quietly, and the work, both on the Monu- 
ment and statue, was so far advanced that the Associa- 
tion began to prepare for some public demonstration 
connected with the enterprise, without waiting for the 
four grou]is of statuary. On the eleventh day of ^lay, 
at the sixth annual meeting of the Association, a com- 
mittee was raised consisting of President Oglesby, D. 
L. Phillips, J. C. Conkling, Xewton Bateman and S. 
H. Treat, to make the necessary preparations. They 
were expected to visit Chicopee, Massachusetts, and 
''examine the Statue of Lincoln and the Coat of Arms, 
suggest to the Association the name of a suitable per- 
son to deliver the oration upon the occasion of the un- 
veiling of the Statue when placed upon the Monument, 
and to select and suggest a day upon which the ceremo- 
nies should take place.'' 

On the nineteenth of July, four days after the death 
of Thomas Lincoln, at a meeting of the Association, 
that committee reported progress. A few days after 
that, Governor Oglesby and Mr. Phillips, of the before 
mentioned committee, started East. 

A meeting of the Association was called on the 
twenty-second of August, to hear the report of the 
committee, of which the folhtwing is the substance: 

Messrs. Oglesby and Phillips went by the Avay of 
Chicago, for the purpose of availing themselves of the 
counsels — particularly in the selection of an orator — 
of some of the prominent gentlemen of that city, who 
had been the personal and political friends of President 
Lincoln. Upon making their business known to the 
Hon. J. Young Scammon, Col. James H. Bowen, 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. Zi\) 

Cliauncey T. Bowen, Esq. and others, they learned that 
several of these gentlemen, on their visit to Springfield 
with the remains of Thomas Lincoln, became deej)]y 
interested in seeing the monument completed, ^^'hen 
the subject was more fully discussed, the committee 
received what they regarded as ample assurances that 
Chicago would furnish the means to purchase one of 
the groups of statuary. They went so far as to select 
the Infantry Group as the one they would j^refer to have 
placed to the credit of their city. The whole question 
was left open, with the understanding that whenever 
the Association desired it, the money would be forth- 
coming. 

The committee next visited New York city and called 
on ex-Governor E. D. Morgan, Hon. Russell Sage, 
Hon. George Opdyke, Winthrop S. Gilman, Esq. Geo. 
T. M. Davis, Esq. A. D. Shepherd, Esq. and others, 
and received assurances that New York would furnish 
the Naval Group. They left the matter of raising the 
money there open also, for the reason that it was in the 
heat of summer, and they were assured that many gen- 
tlemen who would cheerfully contribute to the fund 
were then absent. 

On visiting Boston they called on Governor Clatlin, 
and after a long consultation with him, were gratitied 
to find that he entered heartily into the spirit of the 
enterprise, and although he declined, alone, to make a 
positive promise, he assured the committee of his sym- 
pathy with the movement, and gave it as his opinion 
that Boston would furnish the means to pay for one of 
the groups. 

The committee would have visited Philadelphia but 
did not think it advisable to go while the weather was 
so hot, and that it would be better to defer it until 
winter. 

On visiting Chicopee the committee found the Coat 
of Arms finished, and the work on the Statue of Lin- 
coln in a good state of progress. They took ample time 



280 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

to study it, and unhesitatingly pronounce it as perfect a 
reproduction of Abraham Lincohi as it is possible to 
transfer from life to inert matter. In their opinion Mr. 
Mead has proven himself a true artist, in the fact that 
he has made uo effort to improve on nature. ISIr. Lin- 
coln stooped in the shoulders, just enough to spoil the 
fit of a coat about the breast, and the Statue shows this 
to perfection. The peculiar contour of the features, 
the full lower lip, the mole on the cheek, the wrinkles 
on the forehead, and the nose, unlike any other except 
Lincoln's, are all faithfully reproduced. His long, 
bony fingers, as they grasped the Emancipation Procla- 
mation, and all his other angularities, are brought out 
with great accuracy. They regard the work a sig- 
nal success, and think it a fortunate circumstance that 
the casting and finishing was placed in the hands of 
the Ames Manufacturing Company. Mr. James T. 
Ames, as President of that Company, became intimately 
acquainted with Mr. Lincoln during the four years of 
the rebellion. His business relations in manufacturing 
cannon and other arms for the government, led to many 
personal interviews with the President. His recollec- 
tion of these events was of great value when he came 
to finish up the statue, which beseemed to regard more 
as a labor of love and patriotism, than a mere matter of 
business. 

It appeared to them as if the work was almost done, 
but Mr. Ames declined to name a time when it would 
be completed. Being satisfied that it could not be done 
and put in position on the Monument in time to be un- 
veiled during 1871, the committee did not make a selec- 
tion of an orator, neither did they name any day for the 
ceremony of unveiling to take ])lace. 

Although the committee found it inexpedient at that 
time to do all they were aj)p()inted for, they did that 
which was much more important. They developed 
the fact that the movement on the part of the people 
to build a monument to the memory of Abraham Lin- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 281 

coin was not a mere impulse, to be abandoned when 
the novelty wore away, but that the people are firmly 
resolved to complete it in all its parts. Thus matters 
connected with the Monument stood when the great 
tornado of fire swept over Chicago on the eighth and 
ninth of October. Hundreds of thousands of dollars' 
worth of property, belonging to the men who had 
united in pledging the money to purchase the Infantry 
Group of statuary, were reduced to ashes in a day. 

When this great calamity befel the commercial me- 
tropolis of the Northwest, it was about the close of the 
building season for 1871. The Monument proj^er was 
then nearly completed. The Association had the means 
to pay all bills for this part of the work, also for the 
United States Coat of Arms and the Statute of Lin- 
coln. But the Monument would still lack what was 
necessary to give vital force to the design of the artist. 
It would be an apt emblem of our government at the 
beginning of the great rebellion. The constitution was 
there as a pedestal, and Abraham Lincoln took his posi- 
tion upon it. The States were there, but threatening 
dissolution, and he had neither Infantry, Cavalry, Artil- 
lery or a Navy, without which he would have been 
compelled to look on and see them crumble away be- 
neath his feet. At this juncture the loyal people of 
America rallied to his support, aud placed at his dispo- 
sal the means necessary to organize all the forces 
required for the preservation of the government. 
The members of the Association, when assembled on 
the twenty-ninth of November, felt that the time had 
arrived for an earnest appeal to be made to the Ameri- 
can people, to again furnish the means to organize the 
Infantry, the Cavalry, the Artillery and the Navy — in 
bronze — to be marshaled around his Statue, in imitation 
of the support the loyal people of the nation gave him 
in its hour of greatest peril. 

The feeling was unanimous among the members 
that the magnanimity which always characterized 



282 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

Al)rahani Lincoln, slionld restrain them from hold- 
ing: those gentlemen in Chicago to their promises 
made before the lire. In consideration of the munifi- 
cent liberality manifested by them in so many ways 
when in prosperity, all felt that they should be con- 
sulted before calling on any other city to take their 
place in supplying the Infantry Group. It was decided 
that, as tiie initial step to further proceedings, Governor 
Oglesby should visit Chicago and ascertain their feel- 
ings on the subject. After spending a day or two there, 
the Governor wrote a letter to the Hon. O. M. Hatch, 
Secretary of the Association. The letter was dated 
Chciago, Dec. 8, and wdien it was received Mr. Hatch 
informed Vice President Dubois, who called a meeting 
Dec. 11, 1871, for the purpose of hearing a report from 
the Governor. 

He said that at an interview with the Hon. J. Young 
Scammon, he opened the conversation about the future 
purposes of the Association, and suggested that it might 
be under the necessity of calling upon some other city 
to take the place of Chicago in supplying one of the 
groups of statuary. Mr. Scammon said he thought not, 
and inquired into the terms of the contract with the 
sculptor, as to the time of payments. The Governor 
informed him that one-third of the price was to be paid 
when the order was given for the work to proceed ; but 
then added very explicitly, that the Association did 
not, under the present circumstances, expect Chicago 
to contribute anything, and assured him of the pro- 
found regret felt by the members at the necessity of 
looking somewhere else for the Infimtry Group. Mr. 
Scammon said he thought that unnecessary, and then 
to the surprise and gratiHcation of the Governor, pro- 
ceeded to say : " Your Association may give Mr. Mead 
the order to proceed at once to prepare the cast for the 
Infantry Group, and I will furnish you in cash one- 
third of the $13,700 ; and I think by the time the sec- 
ond payment becomes due, we shall be able to meet 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 283 

that and the last also." The Governor conferred with 
Mr. Chauncey T. Bowcn, and other gentlemen, who 
heartily approved of the action of Mr. Scammou, and 
expressed the determination of Chicago to have one of 
the groujxs if no other city did so. 

One of the rules of the Association is, never to order 
any work until they have the money in hand to pay 
the whole amount ; but the Governor recommended a 
deviation from that rule in the case of Chicago. The 
other members adopted his views, and on motion of 
Dr. S. H. Melvin, it was 

"■^Resolved: That, in consideration of the projiositlon — mag- 
nanimous under the circumstances — made b}' the lion. .J. Young 
Scammou to President Oglesby, as detailed in liis letter just read, 
the Executive Committee be, and they are hereby directed to re- 
quest or order Mr. Mead to proceed to execute the work upon the 
lufantrj^ Group, and prepare the same for the Mouunieut, as stipu- 
lated and contemplated in liis contract with tlie Association." 

The following order was then issued, with instruc- 
tions to Mr. Mead to draw on Mr. Scammon for 
$4566.661 : 

Springfield, III. U. S. A. Dec. 11, A. D. 1871. 
Mr. Larkin G. Mead, Flokence, Italy. 

Sir — You are hereby directed to proceed to the construction of 
the Infantry Group for the National Lincoln ]Monument, as speci- 
fied in your contract with the Association, this order being given 
upon a resolution of the Association, a copj' of which is herewith 
transmitted. 

Respectfully yours, 

John T. Stuart, \ 

John Williams, [■ Executive Committee. 

Jacob Bunn, ) 

Ex-Governor Oglesby and D. L. Phillips, of the 
committee appointed May, 1871, again started cast via 
Chicago about the eighth of February, 1872, for the 
purpose of completing their labors and of enlisting the 
patriotic citizens of some of the eastern cities in the 



284 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

laudable work of supplying the means to secure the 
remaining groups of Statuary, and to make arrange- 
ment< for having the Statue of Lincoln placed upon the 
Monument when completed ; also, to secure the consent 
of. some distinguished American citizen to deliver the 
oration on that occasion. 

At a meeting of the Association on the fourteenth of 
March, the committee made their report, of which the 
following is the substance : One or both of them vis- 
ited New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicopee, Albany 
and Auburn, At New A^ork, Boston and Philadelphia, 
each, they received positive assurances from gentlemen 
eminent for their love of country, that the money would 
be raised to pay for a group of statuary. At each place 
the parties giving this assurance had a book prepared 
for recording one hundred and thirty-seven subscrip- 
tions, of one hundred dollars each, making ^13,700, 
the amount required. When the subscriptions are 
completed, the books are to be forwarded to Springfield 
and placed in Memorial Hall, as an additional attrac- 
tion to the contributors, or their friends, when visiting 
the jSIonument. 

New York being the largest seaport in the United 
States, the Naval Group was very appropriately as- 
signed to that city. The assurances that the money 
M'ould be raised for that group was supported by ex- 
Gov. E. D. Morgan, Russel Sage, Col. G. T. M. Davis 
and AVinthrop S. Gilman. Gov. Morgan went to 
work among his friends and very soon became con- 
vinced that he would have no difficulty in raising the 
money. The following letter, written the day before 
Messrs. Oglesby and Phillips made their report, ex- 
plains itself: 

New York, Maicli 13, 1873. 
Hon. R. J. 0(jJeshy, Decatur, III: 

My DEAK Governor — I have been at work since Thursday 
last upon the matter of obtaining the autographs of one hun- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 285 

dred and thirty-seveu of our citizens, for tlie purpose of contrib- 
uting one of the Bronze Groups for tlie monument to Abraham 
Lincoln. I have gone far enough to enable me to assure you, 
and the Association represented by j^ou, that I am certain to be 
successful; so certain that I will be responsible for raising the 
sum of thirteen thousand seven hundred dollars, being the amount 
necessary to pay for the group representing the Navy. Each 
autograph on my book means a check for $100, and it may be 
until the middle of April before the matter vpill be complete, and 
the certilicate of deposit in the United States Trust Company for- 
warded to you. Therefore, that no time should be lost in ordering 
the modeling to be done by the artist (Mr. Mead), I want you toad- 
vise him and get him to work idthout delay. My subscril)ers are all 
chosen, and none refuse, while many thank me for giving them 
the privilege ; and yet, time is required to see so many gentle- 
men. Some are not in town, and others not always at their place 
of business when I call ; but be assured that success is certain, 
and that there ought not to be any delay in forwarding the order. 
The artist may get engaged in some other heavy work. 
I am very truly yours, 

E. D. MORGAN. 

The letter was transraitted by President Oglesby to 
Secretary Hatch, with instructions to call a meeting 
at once. The meeting was called for March 22d. 
When the Association was convened, and the letter 
read, the following resolution was unanimously 
adopted : 

Resolved, That in consideration of the letter from Hon. E. D. 
Morgan, just read, we hereby request and direct Larkin G. 
Mead, Esq., to proceed without delay to prepare and construct the 
Naval Group for the Monument, as contemplated and specified 
in his contract with this Association, and draw upon them for 
one-third of thirteen thousand seven hundred dollars. The Sec- 
retary is hereby directed to cause to be transmitted to Mr. Mead 
a copy of this order. 



286 THE GREAT FUXERAT. CORTEGE, 

The order ^vas at once forwarded to the artist at 
Florence. Italy, The money was all paid, and re- 
ceived by the Treasnrer of the Association at Springr- 
lield, October 4, 1872. The models for the Infantiy 
and Naval Groups were completed and shipped to 
Chicopee, Massachusetts. In crossing the Atlantic 
ocean both Groups were somewhat injured, but in 
such a manner as not to affect the work when com- 
pleted. A letter from the Association inquiring into 
the progress of the work, elicited the following re- 
sponse : 

Chicopee, Mass., Oct. 10, 1874. 
J^ational Lincoln Monument Association, Springfield, III. 

Gentlemen: By request of O. M. Hatch, for the Association, 
on the 7th inst., would say that the amount of cannon on hand is 
44,511 pounds; have purchased similar stock at twenty cents per 
pound. We are in receipt of the models of the Navy and In- 
fantry Groups. The models for Navy Group are repaired, and 
the moulding in a good state of forwardness in the foundry, part 
of the castings being in a iinished state. The models for In- 
fantry Group are not all repaired, but will be ready to follow 
Navy Group when out. 

Yours Truly, 

Ames Mfg. Co. 

The Cavalry Group was assigned to Boston, and 
the assurance that the money will be raised is sup- 
ported by such names as ex-Gov. Claflin, Xathaniel 
Thayer, Alpheus Hardy, J. Wiley Edmonds, Horatio 
Harrison and others. Hon. Henry "Wilson, Vice- 
President of the United States, was so pleased witii 
the monument, while on his first visit to Springfield 
to participate in the ceremony of unveiling the Statue 
of Lincoln, that he expressed his decided opinion 
that when the people of lioston were informed of 
the progress of the work, they would no longer delay, 
but would raise the money at once to pay for the 
Cavalry group. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 287 

At Philadolpln'a some parties proposed raising tlie 
$13,700 bv subscriptions of .1? 1000 each, bnt it Avas 
afterwards decided to adopt the plan pursued in Xew 
York. The followins; are tlie names of some of the 
parties who entered heartily into the s]iirit of the 
movement, upon the object being presented bv Gov. 
Oglesby: Tol. John W. Forney ,"Morton McMichael, 

O. AV. Childs, Henry Gary, Gomly, the collector 

of customs, and James L. Glaghorn. 

Pennsylvania being the largest iron producing 
State in the Union, and Pittsbui-gh the city where the 
greatest quantity of heavy ordnance was manufactured 
during the Avar to suppress the rebellion, it seemed 
appropriate for the commercial metropolis of that 
State to furnish the Artillery Group. The propo- 
sition made by Gov. Oglesby that this should be 
done, was very heartily acceded to by the gentlemen 
above named. Now that Boston and Philadelphiacan 
see that it only depends on the fulfilment of their 
pledges to complete the monument in all its parts, they 
will doubtless vie Avith each other in seeing Avhich 
shall be first to fill its quota. As soon as the money 
is in the treasury the Association Avill order the Avork 
to proceed on the tAvo groups together. If it is done 
soon the Association may hold the two groups, noAV so 
near completed, until they can have all four placed on 
the Monument at the same time, when it Avill be com- 
pleted and symmetrical in all its parts. 

Previous to the departure of the committee for the 
east in February, 1872, the feeling was almost unani- 
mously expressed by members of the Association and 
others, that in view of the historical associations con- 
nected Avith the death of President Lincoln, and the 
attempt to assassinate his Secretary of State, it Avould 
be eminently proper tliat the latter should take the 
leading part in the approacliing demonstration at the 
tomb of the former. With the view of making such 
arrangements us Avould lead to the consumnuitiun oi 



288 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE. 

the wishes of the Association, Gov. Ofrlesbv visited 
Auburn, New York, on the seventh of March, and on 
behalf of the Association, extended to the Hon. Wil- 
liam H. Seward an invitation to visit Springfield and 
deliver the oration at the unveiling of the statue of 
Lincoln. After taking one whole day to consider the 
matter, and consult with his physician and family, 
Mr. Seward felt compelled to decline the invitation 
on account of the precarious condition of his health. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



After the death of "Villiam H. Seward, Ootober 10, 
1872, no definite steps -were taken towards dedicatino; 
the monument, nntil July 24, 1874. At a meeting of 
the National Lincoln Monument Association, held on 
that day, it was decided, by the passage of a resolu- 
tion to that effect, that the ceremony of unveiliug the 
Statue of Abraham Lincoln, and dedication of the 
Monument, should take place October 15, 1874, The 
principal reasons for selecting so early a day for the 
ceremonial, and without waiting for the groups of 
Statuary, was that the work was substantially com- 
pleted, and the members of the Association being 
nearly all men of advanced age. Of the fifteen origi- 
nal membei's, one only has passed away — Mr. Tyndale 
— and he died by violence. It was felt by many of the 
members that this remarkable Providential preserva- 
tion could not reasonably be expected to continue. In 
addition to this, they each cherished a very commen- 
dable desire to witness a formal public recognition of 
their almost ten years' labor of love. Another reason 
why they selected that particular time, was that the 
Society of the Army of the Tennessee had decided to 
hold its Eighth Annual Reunion at Springfield, Illi- 
nois, October 14 and 15, 1874. 

The citizens of Springfield commenced raising sub- 
scriptions August 18, 1874, to defray the expense. 
Xearly $3,000 were raised, and committees organized 
on Finance, Decorations, Printing, Jianquet, Salute, 
Music, and one each on the part of the Society of the 
19 



290 THE GEEAT FUXERAT. CORTEGE, 

Armv of the Tennessee and of the Xational Lineoln 
Monument Association, on Invitations. 

Six grand triumphal arches were erected across the 
principal streets. They consisted each of a central 
arch, thirty-three and a half feet high, and thirty feet 
between the pedestals, each of which had a flag staff 
rising in the centre to the height of forty feet. The 
central arches had arches on each side, seventeen feet 
four inches high in the centre, and nine feet between 
the pedestals. One of these compound arches was 
placed at each side of the State House Square, on Ad- 
ams, Washington, Fifth and Sixth Streets. Two oth- 
ers were erected on Sixth Street, one opposite the Le- 
land Hotel and one at the Opera House. The arch 
west of the Square, on Fifth Street, was devoted to 
mottoes, each expi-essing some sentiment with refer- 
ence to Lincoln. That on the south, to distinguished 
soldiers, deceased. The others were covered with pat- 
riotic devices, utterances and names of distinguished 
living soldiers. All Avere decorated with evergreens 
and flowers. The meetings of the Society of the Army 
of the Tennessee were held at the Opera House 
through the day and evening of the fourteenth, and 
an oration and many brilliant speeches delivered. On 
the morning of the fifteenth the Society held a closing 
meeting at the Opera House, and then joined the pro- 
cession and marched in a body to tlie National Lin- 
coln Monument and participated in the services of un- 
veiling tlie Statue of Lincoln. The closing pai't of the 
services of the Army Society lleunion was a grand 
banquet at the Leland Hotel, commencing at nine 
o'clock on the evening of the fifteenth. 

The Monument Association having decided upou 
the time for unveiling the Statue of Lincoln, the next 
thing in order was the selection of an orator for the 
occasion. That was a delicate question. It had from 
the first been the subject of great solicitude with the 
Association, that a member of Mr. Lincuiu's cabinet 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 291 

or some one connected with' his administration should 
deliver the oration. The death of Seward, Greelev, 
Cliase, Sumner and others, more especially identiHed 
with ISIr. Lincoln in the political events before and 
during his administration, reduced the number of his 
distinguished compeers, and in proportion increased 
the difficulty of making a selection that would give 
general satisfaction. At the meeting of July 24, a res- 
olution was passed, inviting the President of the Uni- 
ted States to deliver the oration. Upon its being com- 
municated to him by Gov. Oglesby, President Grant 
replied, under date of July 31, 1^74, and says: 

"I have kept the letter two days without answering, to fully 
consider whether I can undertake a task so difiereut from any- 
thing ever attempted by me before. My great admiration for Mr. 
Lincoln's character, talents, and public services, would tempt me, 
if I felt able to do justice to the subject, but I do not; therefore 
decline the honor, thanking the Association of which you are the 
President for conferring it and hope you will make a selection 
of some one who can and will do full justice to the memory and 
public services of our noble martyred President." 

The Association held a meeting on the tenth of Au- 
gust, at which the following was offered by Governor 
Palmer : 

Resolved, That the President of this Association be requested 
to communicate with the following gentlemen in the order here- 
in named, with the view to obtaining the services of one of them 
to deliver an oration at the unveiling of the Statue of Mr. Lin- 
coln, to-wit: Gov. John A. Dix, Hon. Gideon Welles and Hon. 
O. P. Morton. 

Mr. Hatch offered the following amendment : 

"And in the event that neither accept, that the President of 
this Association, Gov. E. J. Oglesby, be requested to deliver the 
address upon that occasion." 



292 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Governor Dix declined, pleading official engage- 
ments. 

A special messenger, D. L. Phillips, visited Ex- 
Secretarv of the Xavy, Welles, at his home. ^Nfr 
AVelles did not come to an immediate decision, but 
afterwards declined by letter. Previous to receiving 
the invitation. Mr. "Welles had written some very able 
and kindlv articles on the administration of President 
Lincoln, in reviewing the Memorial Address on the 
life, character and public services of William H.Sew- 
ard, by Hon. Charles Francis Adams, at Albany, -X. 
Y., in April, 1873. We believe that is the only in- 
stance where a cabinet officer, Avho, during the entire 
struggle for the life of the nation Avas daily on the 
most intimate terms Avith President Lincoln, has so 
freely commented on the peculiar traits of his charac- 
ter and of the events connected Avith his administra- 
tion. This is my apology for digressing here to quote 
some passages from those articles, Avhich Avere first 
published in the Galaxy, and afterwards in book form, 
entitled "Lincoln and ScAA'ard." 

On page 32, Mr. Welles says : 

"Mr. Lincoln was modest, kind, and unobtrusive, but he had, 
nevertheless, sturdy intellectual independence, wonderful self-re- 
liance, and, in his unpretending way, great individuality. 
Though even willing to listen to others, and to avail himself of 
suggestions from any quarter which he deemed valuable, he never 
for a moment was unmindful of his position or of proper relf-re- 
spect, or felt that he was ''dependent" on any one for the faithful 
and competent discharge of any duty upon which he entered. He 
could have dispensed with anyone of his cabinet, and the admin- 
istration not been impaired, but it would have been difficult if 
not impossible to have selected any one who could have filled 
the olfice of Chief Magistrate as successfully as Mr. Lincoln in 
that troublesome period. In administering the government, there 
were details in each department which the Secretaries respect- 
ively discharged. Of these the President had a general knowl- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 293 

edge, and the executive control of each and all. In this respect 
the Secretary of State bore the same relation to the President as 
his colleagues in the other departments." 

On page 206, he says : 

"When the Republicans, in convention at Chicago, chose their 
standard bearer, they wisely and properly selected as their repre- 
sentative the sincere and able man who had no great money 
power in his interest, no disciplined lobby, no host of party fol- 
lowers, but who, like David, confided in the justice of his cause, 
and, with the simple weapons of truth and right, met the Goliath 
of slavery aggression before assembled multitudes in many a well 
contested debate. The popular voice was not in error, nor its 
confidence misplaced, when it selected and elected Lincoln. Af- 
ter his election, and after the war commenced, events forced up- 
on him the emancipation of the slaves in the rebellious States. It 
was his own act, a bold step, an executive measure originating 
with him, and was, as stated in the memorable appeal at the 
close of the final proclamation, invoking for it the considerate 
judgment of mankind, warranted alone by military necessity. 
He and the cabinet were aware that the measure involved high 
and fearful responsibility, for it would alarm the timid every- 
where, and alienate, at least for a time, the bold in the border 
States, who clung to the Union. * * Results have proved that 
there was in the measure profound thought, statesmanship, cour- 
age and far-seeing sagacity — consummate executive and admin- 
istrative ability, which was, after some reverses, crowned with 
success. The nation, emerging from gloom and disaster, and the 
whole civilized world, united in awarding honor and gratitude to 
the illustrious man who had the mind to conceive, and the cour- 
age and firmness to decree the emauciputiou of a race." 

On page 214, Mr. Welles says: 

"Mr. Lincoln was in many respects a remarkable, tkough I do 
not mean to say an infallible, man. No true delineation or pho- 
tograph of his intellectual capacity and attributes has ever been 
given, nor shall I attempt it. His vigorous and rugged, but com- 



294 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

prehensive mind, his keen and shrewd sagacity, his intellectual 
strength and mental power, his genial, kindly temperament — 
with charity for all and malice towards none— his sincerity, un- 
questioned honesty and homely suavity, made him popular as 
well as great." 

In his letter, dated Hartford, Ct., August 31, 1874, 
to the Monumeut Association, through Hon. D. L. 
Phillips, declining the invitation to deliver the Ora- 
tion, Mr. Welles says : 

"The intellect and capability of Mr. Lincoln, are, I apprehend, 
not fully understood and appreciated by those who knew him 
before entering upon his great public career. His vigorous mind 
was continuallj' expanding, the horizon enlarging, so that, on 
the day he was murdered, he was better qualified to discharge 
the duties of Chief ]\Iagistrate than any man living. Well may 
the nation deplore his loss." 

After the Secretary of the Navy declined. Gov. 
Oglesby waited on Gov. O. P. Morton in person, at 
Indianapolis, who declined on account of the state 
of his health. At a meeting of the Monument Associ- 
ation, September 8, on motion of Col. D, L. Phillips, 
it was — 

Resolved, That the Association adhere to its original resolution 
of August lOlh, that Hon. R. J. Oglesby, at the unanimous re- 
quest and hearty concurrence of the Association, will deliver the 
Oration. 

At a later period it was decided by the Association 
to relieve Gov. Oglesby of the work of preparing a 
history of the INIonument, and Hon. Jesse K. l3u- 
bois, Vice President of the Association, was invited 
to discharge that duty. Both accepted the positions 
assigned them. 

A committee of invitation and arrangements was 
ap])ointed, consisting of Ex-Governor John M. Pal- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMKXT. 205 

mer, Dr. S. H. INfelvin and Col. John Williams. One 
thousand invitations Avere sent out to all parts of the 
Union. Much the largest number of those in\It(<l 
responded in person on the day of dedication, and 
those who, from any cause, were unable to be ])rcs- 
ent, they very generally answered by letter, expi-ess- 
ing their sympathy with the object of the meet- 
ing, and regrets at their inability to attend. Among 
these were letters from Hon. L. F. S. Foster of Nor- 
wich, Ct. ; R. H. Dana, Jr., of Boston, Mass. ; Judge 
G. L. Cranmers, of Wheeling, W. Va. ; Prof Xoah 
Porter, of Yale College; Hon. John G. Palfrev, Cam- 
bridge, Mass. ; Hon. Reverdy Johnson, of Baltimore, 
Md. ; Gov. W. P. Kellogg, of Louisana; Maj.-Gen. 
George D. Ramsey, Washington, D. C. ; Gen. James 
Long-street, New Orleans ; Gov. Thos. A. Hendricks, 
of Indiana ; Governor J. A. Campbell, of A\'yom- 
ing Ter. ; George Wm. Curtis, Editor of Harpers' 
Weekly ; Rear Admiral Th. Rogers Taylor, Newport, 
R. I.; Adjutant General E. D. Townsend, Washing- 
ton, D.C.; Hon. James T. Fields, Boston, Mass.; 
Maj.-Gen. Andrew B. Eaton, Washington, D. C. ; 
Gov. Thomas Talbott, Boston, Mass.; Ex-Gov. J. D. 
Cox, Toledo, Ohio ; Henry C. Bowen, of the New 
York Independent ; Hon. Cassius M. Clay, of '\\'liite- 
hall, Ky.; Q. M. General M. C.Meigs, Washington, 
D. C. ; Alexander T. Stewart, New York; General 
A. E. Burnside; General George Cadwallader, Pliii- 
adelphia ; Mrs. Madeline Vireton Dahlgreu, widow 
of Rear Admiral Dahlgren. Andrew Johnson, tlie 
only living ex-President of the United States, was in- 
vited, but neither came nor responded to the invita- 
tion in any way. 

The work of preparation for the grand event was 
everywhere visible in Springfield for weeks before, 
The telegraphic reports in the morning papers began 
to announce the approach of distinguished personages 
and delegations from every point of the compass, lor 



296 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

tliou>;niKls of miles distant in oni' own country, and 
some of the English nobility who were travelino; in 
this eonntrv. so timed their movements as to be pres- 
ent at the unveiling; also. By jNIonday evening, Octo- 
ber 12, the number of strangers began to increase in 
the citv. The earliest arrivals were of distinguished 
ex-soldiers and army commanders, in attendance on 
the meetings of the Society of the Army of the Ten- 
nessee. Every train on Wednesday came loaded with 
strangers, and on that night and Thursday morning it 
seemed as though the entire adult population of cen- 
tral Illinois came pouring into the streets of the Cap- 
ital. The hotels Avere crowded to overflowing, and 
private houses were everyAvhere thrown Open to re- 
ceive the throng of visitors. 

In addition to the grand arches, the Capitol build- 
ing. Court House and Postoffice building, and other 
public buildings and business houses and private res- 
idences were decorated most tastefully Avith drapery, 
evergreens and flowers. The old home of Abraham 
Lincoln, now the residence of Col. Geo. H. Harlow, 
Secretary of State, was one among those most taste- 
fully decorated. 

On the morning of October 15, the streets of the 
city presented the appearance of a moving mass of hu- 
man beings, and as the hour approached for the proces- 
sion to form, strains of music from the various bauds 
in attendance began to swell out on the breeze. 

THE PROCESSION. 

Tlie Grand Marshal of the day, Gov. John L. Bev- 
eridge, with his aids, appeared on north Sixth street 
at ten o'clock a. m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 1874, and 
commenced forming the procession in the following 
order : 

First Division — Gen. John Cook, Marshal, with 
aids. This division was composed of El wood com- 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 297 

manderv Knisyhts Templar, of Sprino;field, 111., mount- 
ed, followed by a com manderv each, from Mt. Pulaski 
and Decatur, a band of music and three iudei)endent 
military companies. 

Second Division — Col. Dudley Wickersham, iNIar- 
shal, with aids. This division was headed by a mili- 
tary band from Newport Barracks, Ky., and was com- 
posed of the Governor's Guard of Springfield, the 
President and Vice President of the United States, 
and other distinguished guests ; the Orator of the day 
and other speakers ; the Chaplain and other clergy- 
men, the wiiole division being in carriages. 

Third Division — Gen. E. B. Harlan, Marshal, with 
aids ; was composed of independent orders and benev- 
olent societies, with two bands of music. 

Fourth Division — Gen. R. N. Pearson, Marshal 
with aids ; was led by the St. Louis Arsenal Band, 
and was composed of a volunteer company, the 
"Sherman Guards," of Pawnee, acting as an escort to 
the Societyof the Army of the Tennessee. The Society 
was led by its President, Gen. W. T. Sherman. 

Fifth Division — Gen. John McConnell, Marshal; 
consisted of Springfield Fire Department, and citizens 
in carriages. 

THE LINE OF MARCH, 

was south on Sixth street to Adams; east on Adams to 
Eighth, south on Eighth — passing the old family res- 
idence of Abraham Lincoln — to Cook ; west on Cook 
to Sixth; north on Sixth to Adams; west on Adams 
to Filth ; north ou Fifth to Washington; east on Wash- 
ington to Sixth; north on Sixth to North Grand Avenue; 
west ou North Grand Avenue to Second street; north 
011 Second street to Oak liidge Cemetery. 



298 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

The line of march was so ordered as to pass the 
Lincoln family residence, and under each of the six 
Grand Triumphal Arches. 

AT OAK RIDGE CEMETERY 

the people began to collect at a very early hour, and 
the crowd about the Monument was so great that the 
procession could only reach it by the aid of the mili- 
tary in opening up an avenue. When all were as- 
sembled, it was estimated that there were between 
twenty-five and thirty thousand people present. 

Gov. John M. Palmer, Chairman of the Committee 
of Arrangements, acted as Master of Ceremonies. The 
exercises opened with music by the Newport, Ky., band. 
Gov. Palmer then introduced Bishop Wayman, of the 
African M. E. Church, who offered the opening pray- 
er. He was specially invited, and came from Balti- 
more for that purpose. 

A choir of ladies and gentlemen sang an ode com- 
posed for the occasion by Mrs. Mary Riley Smith ; 
music by Mr. George A. Sanders — all of Springtield. 
I quote one verse, witli the chorus : 

•'We slug to him whose soul, on heights divine, 

Has reached the stature of the undefiled; 
In whom a judgment ripe and honor fine 

Were blended with the nature of a child ; 
Whose pen, with patient toil and God-like grace, 

Picked out the puzzled knot of Slavery ; 
Unloosed the gyves that bound a hapless race, 

And dared to write, "The bondman shall be free !" 

Chorus : — 

"Then sing to him from whom these sweet words fall : 
'With malice towards none — with charity for all ;' 

And write this epitaph above his grave: 
'He bound the nation, and unbound the slave.' " 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 299 

After the singing, the Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Vice 
President of the Association, delivered the 

HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 

When Abraham Lincoln fell by the hand of an assassin, April 
14th, 1865, after the first expressions of horror and grief, and a 
partial recovery from the shock which for the instant had para- 
lyzed the nation, a spontaneous feeling arose demanding that 
some memorial should be erected, to convey to future generations 
the estimate placed by his contemporaries upon the life, virtues 
and public services of the martyr President. 

While the funeral cortege was slowly proceeding from AVasli- 
ington to Sriugfield, letters were received daily by our men in 
public life, from all parts of the country and fi-om people of 
every station, suggesting that a great National Monument be 
erected over his remains, and in many cases tendering contribu- 
tions. 

For some days nothing was said on the subject at his own home, 
where his lifelong neighbors were bending all their energies to 
prepare for the funeral ceremonies. 

The first mention of the subject in Springfield was in tlie State 
Journal on the morning of April 24th, in the following Avords: 
"We suggest that our citizens assemble at the State House at an 
early day, and organize an association for the purpose of select- 
ing oflicers from the State Officials and other leading citizens of 
the State, and taking immediate steps for the collection of the 
necessary funds. The sooner done the better. Our idea is, that 
the Treasurer of the State should be made the Treasurer of the 
Association, and that every postmaster and every national bank 
in the country should be requested to act as agents." The edito- 
rial closed with the words, " Let us move in the matter at once." 

The same day the Committee of Arrangements that had been 
previously appointed by a public meeting of the citizens of 
Springfield, to prepare for the reception of the remains of 
President Lincoln, held a meeting, and, among other items of 
business, 



300 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Resolved, That Gov. Kicliard J. Oglesbj-, Lieut. Gov. William 
Bross, Hon. Sharon Tyudale, Secretary of State; Hon. O.H. Mi- 
ner, Auditor of State; Hon. N. Bateman, Sup't Public Instruc- 
tion; Hon. John S. Stuart, Hon. S. H. Treat, Hon. Jesse K. Du- 
bois, Hon. O. M. Hatch, Hon. John A. McClernaud, Hon. Wni. 
Butler, Hon. James C. Conkling, Hon. Thomas J. Dennis, Mayor, 
etc , and such others as they may select, constitute a Lincoln 
Monument Association, for the purpose of receiving funds and 
disbursing the same ; for obtaining grounds and erecting a mon- 
ument thereon, in Springfield, 111., to the memory of our lament- 
ed Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln. 

ReHolred. That Hon. James H. Bevcridge, Treasurer of the State 
of Illinois, be the Treasurer of said Association. 

A call was at once issued by the Association to "The officers, 
soldiers and sailors in the armj' and w&xj, in camps, stations, 
forts and hospitals, loyal leagues, lodges ot Masons and Odd 
Fellows, religious and benevolent associations, churches of all 
denominations, and the colored population," requesting con- 
tributions by the second week in May, or as soon thereafter as 
possible. 

National banks and postmasters were requested to act as agents. 
The proceedings were telegraphed to all parts of the country and 
published in the newspapers. Two days after the Association 
was organized, its Executive Committee published an appeal to 
tiie Nation that it would, "by one simultaneous movement, testify 
its regard for his exalted character, its appreciation for his dis- 
tinguished services, and its sorrow for his death b}^ erecting to 
his memory a monument that will forever prove that Reijublics 
are not ungrateful." 

The first work of the Association was to secure, conditionally, 
the plat of ground where the new State House is now being built, 
and the building of a temporary vault thereon. But when the 
remains of President Lincoln arrived, it was ascertained that 
Mrs. Lincoln objected to the body being placed there, even tem- 
porarily, and at her request it was placed in the public receiv- 
ing vault of Oak Kidge Cemetery, May 4th, 1865. 



AXD THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUJfENT. 301 

On the 8tli daj- of May, a call was sent out by the Association 
requesting all Sunday Schools to take up collections the second 
Sunday, and all public schools the first Tuesday, in June, 18G5. 

The Association was without legal autliority until ]\Iay 11th 
18G5, when it was organized under the general incorporation laws 
of the State of Illinois, with the following 

" ARTICLES OP ASSOCIATION : 

" We, Richard J. Oglesby, Sharon Tyndale, O. H. Miner, James 
H. Beveridge, Newton Batemau, John T. Stuart, Samuel H. Treat., 
Jesse K. Dubois, O. M. Hatch, James C. Conkling, Thomas J. 
Dennis, John Williams, Jacob Bunn, S. H. Melvin, and David L. 
Phillips, all being of full age and citizens of the United States 
and State of Illinois, certify that we do herebj^ associate ourselves 
under and by virtue of an act of the General Assembly of the 
State of Illinois, entitled "An act for the incorporation of benev- 
olent, educational, literary, musical, scientific and missionary so- 
cieties, including societies formed for mutual improvement or 
for the promotion of the arts," approved February 24th, 1859; by 
the following name and for the purpose hereafter specified. 

Article I. 
This Association shall be called the "National Lincoln Monu- 
ment Association," and be located at Springfield, State of Illi- 
nois, and shall continue in existence for the term of twenty years. 

Article II. 
The object of this Association shall be to construct a monu- 
ment to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, in the city of Spring- 
field, Illinois. 

Article III. 

The following persons shall be the directors of the Association 
during the first year of its existence: Richard J. Oglesby, Sha- 
ron Tyndale, O. H. Miner, James H. Beveridge, Newton Bate- 
man, John T. Stuart, Jesse K. Dubois, O. M. Hatch, James C 
Conkling, Thomas J. Dennis, John Williams, Jacob Bunn, S. H- 
Melvin, S. H. Treat, and David L. Phillips. 

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals 
this 11th day of May, 1865. 



302 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

[Seal] KrcHARD J. Oglesbt, 

[S('((L] Orlin H. Miner, 

[Se((l.] John T. Stuart. 

[Seal] Jesse K. Dubois, 

[Seal.] James C. Conkling, 

[Seal] John Williams, 

[>V'(^Z.] Jacob Bunn, 

[SckL] Sharon Tyndale, 

[6V(^?.] Newton Bateman, 

[Seal] S. H. Treat, 

[Seal.] O. M. Hatch, 

[Seal.] S. H. Melvin, 

[;Seal.] James H. Beveridge, 

[Seal.] Thomas J. Dennis, 

[Seal] David L. Phillips. 

On the same clay, viz: the llth day of May, 1865, the Associa- 
tion perfected its organization by electing Gov. K. J. Oglesby, 
President; Jesse K. Dubois, Vice President; Clinton L. 
Coukliug, Secretary, James H. Beveridge, Treasurer. A code of 
by-laws was adopted, agents to collect funds were appointed, and 
the treasurer directed to invest the funds in United States securi- 
ties. 

It was still the intention to erect the monument on the ground 
wliei-e the first vault was built, but a letter was received from Mrs. 
Lincoln, dated at Chicago, June 5, 1865, in which she repeated 
her objections to that localit3% 

On the 14th of June, 1865, it was decided by a majority of oue 
in a full board of directors, to build the Monument in Oak Kidge 
Cemetery. 

Six acres of land were given by the city of Springfield to the 
Association as a site for the Monument. Measures were at once 
taken to erect a temporary vault near that belonging to the Cem- 
etery, in Avhich to keep the remains until the monument should 
be ready to receive them. 

The bod\' of Mr. Lincoln was removed from the public receiv- 
ing vault to the temporary vault belonging to the Association, 
Dec. 21st, 1865. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 303 

In the process of traasferring the remains, the box containing 
the cot!in was opened, in order that the features of tlie deceased 
might be seen and identified; and six of his personal acquaint- 
ances: R. J. Oglesby, O. H. Miner, Jesse K. Dubois, Newton 
Bateman, O. M. Hatch, and D. L. Phillips, filed a written state- 
ment with the Secretary of the Association that it was the body 
of Abraham Lincoln. 

On the 38th of December, 1865, Clinton L. Conkling, Esq., 
tendered his resignation as Secretary of the Association, which 
was accepted, and Hon. O. M. Hatch elected to fill the vacancy. 

Early in 1868, the Association published a "Notice to Artists," 
offering, with the usual conditions, $1,000 for the best design for 
a monument, and named the first of September as the day for the 
examination of designs. 

Tliirty-seven designs by thirtj'-one artists, six of them sending 
two each, were received and placed on exhibition in the Senate 
Chamber. 

After patient and careful consideration, on the eleventh of the 
same month the Board announced its decision in the following 
resolution: 

liesolved, That this Association adopt the design submitted by 
Larkin G. Mead, Jr., to be constructed of granite and bronze, 
and that the whole matter be referred to the Executive Commit- 
tee, with power to act. 

Ample time was taken to discuss the details of a contract, care 
being had to fully protect the interests of all parties thereto. By 
the terms of the proposals for designs, the successful competitor 
was entitled to the contract to build the entire monument. When 
Mr. Mead's design was accepted, he at once commenced arrange- 
ments to build the architectural portion of the monument, and 
caused full plans and specifications to be prepared. Afterwards, 
by agreement between the Association and Mr. Mead, he surren- 
dered his right to build the architectural part of the monument, 
and the Association, for good reasons, released him, and agreed 
to pay the expenses he had incurred up to that time. 

On the 30th of December, 1868, a contract was concluded be- 
tween the Association and Larkin G. Mead, Jr., in which it was 
stipulated that the Association was to manage the building of 



304 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

the architectural part of the monument, and that it should be 
done strictlj- after the drawings and specifications of Mr. Mead. 
On his part, Mr. Mead was to mould, cast and deliver all the 
statuary in bronze, according to his design, namely: 

1. A statue of Lincoln, not less than ten feet high, for 
$13,700. 

2. A group representing infantry, containing three figures 
and appropriate accessories, the figures to be not less than seven 
and a half feet high, for $13,700. 

3. A group of cavalry, to contain a horse and two human fig- 
ures, with appropriate accessories, the human figures to be not 
less than seven and a half feet high, and the horse in proportion, 
for the sum of $13,700. 

4. A group of artillery, to contain three figures and appro- 
priate accessories, the figures to be not less than seven and a 
half feet high, for $13,700. 

5. A marine group, to contain three figures and appropriate 
accessories, the figures to be not less than seven and a half feet 
high, for $13,700. 

6. The coat of arms of the United States, as shown in the 
specifications, for $1,500— making a total of $70,000. 

It was part of the contract that the Association should have 
the right to order one or more of these pieces or groups at a 
time, to suit its own convenience, and not be under obligations 
to pay for any piece until a written order was given for the 
same. When a written order was given, one-third of the stipu- 
lated price was to accompany it, one-third to be paid when the 
plaster model was delivered at the foundry, and the remaining 
third when the work was completed and delivered in good order 
at Springfield, Illinois. 

It was also stipulated in the contract that if cannon were given 
to be used in the statuary, the value thereof should be deducted 
from the price. 

It was further agreed that if any donations of freight were 
made, they should be to the Association, and not to Mr. Mead. 

Five business men of New York, of known responsibility, gave 
security for the performance of the contract on the part of Mr- 
Mead. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 305 

Ou the seventh day of May, 1869, the Board of Directors, under 
tlie aforesaid contract,instructed the Executive Committee to order 
the statue of Lincoln and the coat of arms of the United States. 

After advertising for proposals to erect the monument — except- 
ing the statuary — the 1)id of W. D. Richardson, of Springfield, 
was accepted. 

A contract was then entered into between the Association and 
Mr. Richardson, in which he agreed to erect the National Lin- 
coln Monument, in Oak Ridge Cemetry, according to the plans 
and specifications adopted bj' the Association, for the sum of 
$136,550. 

He was to build the foundation during the current year 1809, 
and complete the superstructure by January 1, 1871. 

The Association agreed to pay Mr. Richardson the sum above 
named on monthly estimates as the work progressed, 15 per cent, 
of the same to be withheld until the work was completed accord- 
ing to contract. 

Ground was broken September 9, 1869, and the massive founda- 
tion was completed before the close of that year. When the 
spring of 1870 opened, materials were ready to commence tlie 
superstructure. There was so much delay on the part of the rail- 
roads in bringing the granite to the ground, that it was found 
impossible to finish within the building season of 1870. 

Work was resumed early in the following spring, and the cap- 
stone was elevated to its position on the obelisk May 22, 1871. 

The monument was so far advanced that the remains of Thomas 
Lincoln, a son of President Lincoln, who died in Chicago on the 
15th of July, 1871, were brought to Springfield and deposited in 
the crypt at the extreme west, on the 17th of that month ; and 
the remains of the President, ami of his two sons, William and 
Edward, were removed from the temporary vault to the monu- 
ment September 19, 1871. 

The six personal friends of 3Ir. Lincoln, who identified his 
remains on the occasion of their being deposited in the tempor- 
ary vault, again viewed them, and again certified in writing that 
it was the body of Abraham Lincoln. 

Both papers are ou file with the Secretary of the Association. 

The evidence of identity is thus unbroken. 

20 



306 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

The total contributions to the general fund of the 
National Lincoln Monument Association have 
amounted to ,^144,448 45 

To this add the sum realized for interest and prem- 
iums 35,672 45 

Giving a total of $180,120 90 

Which has been appropriated as follows: 

L. G. Mead, for design $1,000 00 

Paid Larkin G. Mead for drawings, specifications and 

all details connected with the architectural part of 

the Monument 5,500 00 

L. G. Mead, statue and coat of arms 15.200 00 

W. D. Richardson, on contract 136,550 00 

Temporarj^ vault 1,612 97 

Expended on grounds 3.546 60 

Iron steps on grounds 892 00 

Paid for steel engraving of the Monument for Sunday 

school children, as per agreement 1,150 00 

Superintendence, printing, expenses of soliciiing 

agents, commissions to agents, etc., etc . 7,830 13 

Total appropriations $173,282 70 

The balance unappropriated is $6,838.20, which will all find 
Ijrofitable use in the future improvements of the grounds. 
The contributions may be classified as follows : 

Received from States $61,500 

As follows : 

State of Illinois $^0,000 

State of New York * 10,000 

State of Missouri 1,000 

State of Nevada 500 

The next largest item is the contributions of the soldiers and 
sailors, which amount to $27,682.12. 

These contributions by companies, regiments, ships and sepa- 
rate commands, will avarage $1 per man, and in nearly all cases 
a record is preserved of the name of each contributor 



AND THE NATIOXAT- LINCOLN MONl'.M KNT. ->07 

About $8,000 of the sum is the c()ntril)uti()ii of tlie cohinvl sol- 
diers of the United States Army. 

Contributions credited to Sundaj^ schools amount to |18,320.;:)8. 

This represents the contributions of 1,700 schools; and the 
names of tlie individual contributors, embracing more than 
60,000 children, are enrolled in a separate book. 

The contributions taken up in churches amount to $3,893.03. 
The contributions of benevolent societies amount to $2,342.39. 
This sum is contributed by Lodges of Masons, Odd Fellows and 
Union Leagues. Among many contributions received from 
public schools, the public schools of California contributed, 
through the State Superintendent, $1,780.44. In addition to the 
before mentioned, the contributions to the general fund of other 
societies and organizations, and of individuals, amount, in the 
aggregate, to $28,730.09. 

A considerable sum, some thousands of dollars, is credited to 
boxes which were put up in banks and post offices, and other 
public places. The large amount of these anonymous contribu- 
tions is the best evidence of the interest of all classes in tlie 
undertaking. 

It has been the rule of the Association never to order work 
nor make any contract involving absolute payment of money 
until the money is in hand to pay the whole amount. 

The contract with Mr. Mead was drawn -in recognition of this 
rule. As already shown, the proceeds of contributions, public 
and private, had been sutficieut to pay for the architectural por- 
tion of the Monument, and the statue of Lincoln and the coat 
of arms; but until the summer of 1871, no special eftbrt had 
been made to raise funds for the four groups. 

In July, 1871, citizens of Chicago, through Hon. J. Young 
Scammon, voluntarily pledged themselves to raise $13,700 to pay 
for the infantry group of statuary. In December of that year 
the one-third of this sum was paid to Mr. Mead, and he was or- 
dered to construct the model of the infantry group. 

Messrs. Oglesby and Phillips, acting under instructions of the 
Association, visited New York, Philadelphia and Boston, and 
submitted to prominent gentlemen in each of those cities the 
proposition that the three cities should assume the cost of the 
tliree remaining groups— that New York should furnish the 



308 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE. 

naval group, Pliiladelphia the artillen- group and Boston the 
cavalry group. This proposition met with favor and encourage- 
ment in eacli city. In the city of New York, under the leader- 
ship of Gov. E. D. Morgan, 137 gentlemen have subscribed and 
paid $100 each, amounting to $13,700, and the naval group has 
been ordered in accordance with the terms of the contract. 

It is proposed to raise the same amount, in a similar manner, in 
Philadelphia and in Boston; and the Association has the pledge 
of prominent and influential gentlemen in each city that it shall 
be done. 

The Monument is finished and paid for. The means are pro- 
vided for the completion of two of the groups ; and we hope, 
from the assurances from Boston and Philadelphia, that the two 
others are also provided for. If, however, we fiiil in that, we 
doubt not a generous people will make up the deficiency. The 
work stands to speak for itself. The materials are granite and 
bronze — than which none can more successfully defy the ele- 
ments. The foundations are laid deep and strong, and in all the 
details of construction, the work is well and faithfuUj' done. 

Of the original members of the Association, all survive to see 
the result of their labors, except the Hon. Sharon Tyndale, 
whose sad taking off by violent hands is still fresh in our recol- 
lection. The vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Tyndale was 
filled by the selection of Governor John M. Palmer. 

While all the members of the Association have worked with 
zeal and fidelity, and without pecuniary reward, the most labor 
has devolved upon the Secretary, Hon. O. M. Hatch; the Treas- 
urer, Hon. James H. Beveridge, and the Executive Committee, 
Messrs. John T. Stuart, Jacob Bunu and John Williams. 

The Association and its contributors are under especial obli- 
gations to Hon. John T. Stuart, Chairman of the Executive Com- 
mittee, and to Hon. O. M. Hatch, Secretary, for the wise and 
energetic manner in which they have performed the mauj^ duties 
of their ofiices. 

The members of the Association congratulate the artist upon 
the success which has crowned his eflbrts to give a faithful ren- 
dering of tlie face and form of the beloved dead whose remains 
rest beneath this Monument. Every member of the Association 
was a neighbor of President Lincoln, and most of them had 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 309 

known him intimately since his early manhood. It is their 
unanimous opinion that this statue is a trutliful likeness, and 
will serve to give to future generations a perfectly accurate con- 
ception of Abraham Lincoln. 

Here ends what has been to the members of the Association, 
for almost ten years, a labor of love and duty. 

By the liberal contributions of a grateful nation, we have been 
enabled to provide a suitable place for the remains of one of the 
wisest, purest men known to our national history. 

There may they rest in peace. 

After music by the Band the master of ceremonies, 
Gov. Palmer, introduced the President of the As- 
sociation, ex-Gov. R. J. Oglesby, who proceeded to 
deliver 

THE ORATION. 

The tenth of a century is about taking its departure since the 
close of the great rebellion — an epoch in the hislor}^ of our country 
marked by glowing associations, and fraught with grave and im- 
posing consequences — a rebellion, iu its inception and upon its 
inauguration, which found a contented and prosperous people 
enjoying the fruits of long years of peace in a government ot 
their own choice, guaranteed in a constitution upon principles so 
just and a basis so firm, it was believed it could enter into the 
hearts of none seriously to contemplate its destruction. This 
government had descended to us from the revolution, well-shapen 
b)^ the hands of our fatliers, clothing in plain and simple language 
powers general and national as to the union, ample and local as 
to the states. Under its broad shield liberty sought and found 
repose. There was no citizen iu its broad domain who was not 
unfettered in conscience and thought, and not consulted and rep- 
resented iu all its actions — a government the freest, the mildest 
and the strongest on the face of the earth. It had, by a long ca- 
reer of prosperity, unsettled if not destroyed the dogma of the old 
school of publicists, "That the durable establishment ofademr 
ocratic government was not possible in a country of great 
extent and with a numerous populaliou. " Tliere was one staiu 



310 THE GREAT FUXERAT. CORTEGE, 

upon it — all men were not free. Tlie curse of slavery had taken 
deep root in an unnatural soil. 

The consciences of a large majority of the American people 
were not at rest with the scourge of mankind in their midst, and 
a new political party was openly protesting against its claims for 
more general recognition. It had been the source of much dis- 
quiet, and was the p'rolific agent of endless discussioaand di.ssen- 
sion. At last, halting upon safe ground, with the lights theu 
around us, the friends of freedom said to the friends of slaver}', 
" We will arrest the further spread of it and place it where the 
public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ulti- 
mate extinction." Its advocates argued, "We will push it forward 
until it sliall become alike lawful in all the states, old as well as 
new, north as well as south. " 

The rebellion closed, leaving in its wake broken hopes, blasted 
anticipations, ruined fortunes, desolated homes, and thousands of 
dead and wounded soldiers — states dissevered, civil governments 
dethroned, discord in the place of order, and social and politi- 
cal devastation. The soldiers of its vast armies, victors for a 
time on many fields, with a valor, courage and discipline in a 
just cause which would have earned for themselves the praise of 
all men, stacked their arms, parked their artillery, turned over 
the public property to the officers of the union, and returned to 
their homes on paroles of honor, prisoners of war in a lost cause. 

Again : The rebellion closed with the union maintained in all its 
strength and majesty, and with liberty preserved. The long years 
of toil and taxation; of human patience and human suffering; of 
war, bloody, destructive war, shrouded in clouds of bitter an- 
guish, or lighted l)y the torch of angry passions, were at last re- 
warded by the return of peace. A heroic people, that good gov- 
ernment might not perish from the earth, had conquered the 
most formidable enemy of modern times, and that enemy its own 
internal, domestic home people. The return of peace was hailed 
as the return of only such a peace could be, with unspeakable 
joy, gratitude and thanksgiving. The great words of the great 
president Avere still lingering upon the tongues of men and ring- 
ing through the hearts of all people. The British parliament 
and the British people caught them up, as they were caught up 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 311 

by all the civilized nations of Europe, and iipplauded them as the 
noblest of human utterances : 

" Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty 
scourge of war may speedily pass away ; yet if God wills that it 
continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hun- 
dred and fifty years of urequited toil shall be sunk, and until 
every drop of blood drawn by the lash shall be paid by another 
drawn by the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still 
it must be said, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous 
altogether. With malice toward none, with charity for all, with 
firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive 
to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; 
to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his 
widow and his orphans; to do all which maj' serve to cherish 
a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." 

" A just and lasting peace. " Late eveu as February, eighteen 
hundred and sixty-five, so earnest was the president in his de- 
sire for peace, to stay if possible the further eflfusion of blood, 
and bind up Mie nation's wounds, that he went in person to meet 
messengers from the camp of the enemy, and submitted these 
general propositions: 

First, the restoration of the national authority throughout all 
the states. 

Second, no receding by the executive of the United States on 
the slavery question from the position assumed thereon in the 
late annual message to congress and in preceding documents. 

Third, no cessation of hostilities short of an end of the war and 
the disbanding of all forces hostile to the government. 

Fourth, all propositions of theirs not inconsistent with the 
above, would be considered and passed upon in a spirit of sincere 
liberality. 

Tliese generous terms were not accepted, and nothing came of 
the meeting. A fatality hung over these deluded people not to 
be propitiated without an unconditional surrender of their arms 
and armies. In the interest of universal humanity, to the credit 
of the highest civilization known to the world, and especially 
that our own blessed countr)' might escape the impending humil- 
iation, would to God that then and there, upon the four years wild 
carnival of passion, the curtain had fixlleu. It could not be so. I have 



312 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

no heart, even at this late daj', to speak of llie sad event. Ameri- 
ca is blackeued witli the crime of assassination : Abraliam Lincoln is 
the martyr. Badges of mourning covered tlie whole land; the 
ver}' air was heavy with sighs, and nature seemed to hang her 
head in sorrow. Grief— deep, bitter grief— filled the whole land, 
and malice at last, with its victim before it, closed its repentant 
lips and skulked uway disarmed and discomfited forever. The 
sad news of liis death filled the world with consternation. Con- 
dolence poured in upon our people from every land and tongue. 
Distinctions of nationality and all forms of power, forgetting ani- 
mosities, obliterating all lines of separation, came together at 
the bier of Lincoln. Beautiful in life, comely iu death, he was 
aunoiuted with the tears of all nations. There is iu the hands of 
the people, published by authority of the national congress, a 
volume of 930 quarto pages, containing expressions of condolence 
and grief over the national bereavement, from the governments 
and people of almost the entire world. 

His people took up his body, and a funeral procession one 
thousand miles long followed his remains to his oldjiomc. Here 
ills body lies, under the trees and amid the people who knew 
liim in poverty and honored him in obscurity, and here it 
will lie so long as dust shall mark the spot where man has fallen. 
The friends of his youthful manhood and the children of those 
who knew and loved him when he was yet unknown to the 
world, will stand, one generation after another, sentinels over 
his body. His fame, breaking through the boundaries of his 
strtle and nation, has gone abroad over a boundless world, and 
will descend with the march of time down the illimitable age 
of the hereafter. 

The generous contributions of an admiring people liave erect- 
ed over his remains tliis monument — an imposing and lasting 
testimonial to his great worth. I must be spared the task of 
passing in detail upon its merits as a work of art. A member of 
the association from its organization, heartily uniting witli it iu 
selecting the design of Larkiu G. Mead — a young native artist of 
more than national reputation, who connects his own rising 
fume in this structure with the name of his great subject — I turn 
it over to the impartial criticism of the students, the lovers and 
the creators of art. Only this I say, after a long and somewhat 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 313 

intimsite personal acquaintance with him, tlie colossal statue un- 
veiled in 3'our presence today is the very similitude and likeness 
of Abraham Lincoln, llepublics are not unlike other nations in 
contemplating the character and cherishing the memory of the 
illustrious dead. What they have said, what they have done, is 
quoted over and over again, to impress upon the living the im- 
portance of like action. We create honorable customs, to bring 
them again and again to our remembrance. Addresses, eulogies 
and orations are made the willing instruments of their praise ; 
and at last, in the hope of some waj' bearing their fame further 
along down the course of time, half doubting that civilization 
will continue and history hold its own faithfull}^ in recording 
great events and the lives of distinguished citizens, we erect 
monuments of granite, marble and bronze, that the remotest time 
may know^ such men lived. 

A great life draws after it the ceaseless attention of the living, 
and if it be good also, is held up in historj^ poetry and song for 
the imitation of all men. Such was the life of Abraham Lincoln. 
His birth and early life at once excite our attention. Born in a 
forest, out of the range of school houses, on the margin of civili- 
zation, where nature yet almost held primeval dominion, of 
parents poor and without educiition, he heard no music but the 
music of birds — he saw no wonders but the wonders of 
nature. At the early age of eight years his father moved from 
the old home in Hardin county, Kentucky, to Spencer county, 
Indiana. Part of the journey was a ride down the Ohio river on 
an ordinary raft — stmiething less than a flat-boat, but common 
enough in those early days of western navigation. The change 
of homes was simply the exchange of one forest for another, but 
it was a change from a slave to a free state. It was possiblj' the 
unfettering of a 3^oung and pure soul from what might have been 
a thralldom. Soon after the settlement in Indiana his mother 
died — she who had taught him to read. In time a step-mother 
entered the cabin door, and soon there sprang up between the 
boy and his new mother an interest and a love that never died. 
He went to school about one year, learned to "read, write and 
cipher," and finished all of education received in that way. From 
this time until he had grown to manhood, to all those who care 
to watch the development of mind and the growth of character 



314 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

under such circumstances, witli one destined to fill so large a 
share of the public attention and to control so much in public 
afiairs, the young life of Lincoln presents much that is interesting, 
instructive and novel, not however altogether unusual in the first 
settlement of anew country, and especially in America. He was the 
most diligent student in the neighborhood. The Columbian Orator, 
the Life of Washington, Burns' Poems, the Pilgrim's Progress 
and the Bible he read and studied over and over again. Clad in 
the rustic raiment of the times, as he went from cabin to cabin, 
from the gatherings of the pioneers for frolic, and the frequent tests 
of physical strength so common in those early times, to the spell- 
ing school and debating club, for the higher test of mind iu study 
and discussion ; a prompt attendant upon all occasions either of 
frolic or debate ; seldom if ever second best in any encounter; a 
moderator in the settlement of disputes and the prevention of 
quarrels; and, when all other remedies failed, putting all angry 
passions to flight b)'' a ludicrous story or a good joke — he came 
iu time to be looked upon by his admiring companions as a 
prodigy. The basis of his moral structui-e — laid in those early 
days, out of nach of the ordinary temptations of vice, away from 
the seductive intiuences of mere fashion, where the rules for the 
administration of justice were few and easy of application, un- 
haunted by the vexatious speculations of metaphysics — was broad 
and deep. And liere lie laid the foundations of a faith that were 
to lead him through life: "Thou shalt not make unto thyself any 
graven image or any likeness of anything that is iu Heaven 
above or in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters under the 
earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them nor serve them" 
— and he did not. He worshiped the image of neither the living nor 
the dead in the material world. Truth he did worship. Truth 
and Justice he did bow down to. Truth, Justice and Mercy he 
did serve, and he had no other master in the moral world. He could 
look up into the clear blue sky of Heaven and descry God every- 
where. In tlie procession of the worlds and the grand laws that 
produce uniformity, continuity, order, beauty and justice, 
throughout all space and through all time, hebelield the benigni- 
ty of universal and divine intelligence. "Therefore, all things 
whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even 



AND THE NATIOXAT. LINCOLN MONUMENT. 315 

SO to them, " and, " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as tliyself, " lie 
comprehended as christian precepts and lived up to them daily. 

At the age of twenty-one he again moved with his father's family 
still further west. In 1830 the historical family came to Illinois and 
settled on the Sangamon river in Macon county. There are still 
standing the visible marks of his toil upon the inclosure around the 
home where the family settled. His old friend and near relation, his 
steady and faithful companion at home and on the long .journey 
to New Orleans on a flat-boat, who assisted in felling the trees, 
splitting the rails and making the improvements upon the new 
home in Illinois, now venerable in years, though still blessed 
with health and the promise of a lengthened life,an ever watchful 
sentinel along the line of life of his great and good friend, comes to 
drop another tear on the grave of one he alvva3's loved. John Hanks, 
who stood by the cradle of the mysterious boy, shares his hum- 
ble part in dedicating a monument to the departed statesman. 
At the close of his twenty-first year he left the paternal home, 
and found his way into Sangamon county, not many miles from 
this city. Again locating on the Sangamon river, he made an- 
other trip to New Orleans, and upon his return, in 1832, volun- 
teered as a private, but was immediately chosen captain of a 
company, and served three months in the notable Black Hawk 
war. At the expiration of his service in this Indian war he be- 
came a candidate for the legislature, and although not successful, 
of ihe 207 votes cast at his home. New Salem, he received every one, 
and this notwithstanding there were several popular candidates in 
the field. Better fortune however was awaiting him. At the next 
election he was successful, and was returned e,very two years 
from 1834 to 1842, making a continuous service of eight years in 
the legislature. In the meantime he had turned his attention to 
the study of the law, and at the age of twenty-seven was admitted 
to the bar. The Hon. John T. Sluart, with whom he read law, is 
a member of the association having in charge this monument. 

By tills time the name of Lincoln began to be known through- 
out the state. In the great campaign of 1840 he was chosen by 
the whig party to bear the brunt of its heaviest work. After due 
consideration and a trial contest in the capital of the state, be- 
tween the ablest debators of both political parties, which lasted 
for a week, and which was in the nature of a political skirmish, 



316 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Lincoln was selected to meet Douglas, who at that early period of 
his life was put in the front rank to uphold democracy. To those 
still living, favored with the privilege of listening to the joint de- 
bates of these strong young men, it cannot be forgotten how inter- 
esting and able they were. The place of each was at once fixed in 
the confidence of his party. They met, to be in some way held 
together before the public eye, for twenty years ; met as political 
antagonists and personal friends, to share in political policies, and 
to shape political principles in the public mind, uniting their 
names with measures of the highest significance and broadest in- 
fluence upon American institutions. Douglas, four years the 
3'^ounger, with fair education, high resolves, and a purpose to do 
for himself in the world, left his eastern home and worked his 
wav to the great west. Lincoln had preceded him in the same jour- 
ney. Each selected Illinois for his future home. In the centre 
of this j'oung state, with a population at that time of one hun- 
dred and fifty-seven thousand, they located at no great distance 
apart. Both studied law, and both attained to some distinction 
jn the profession. Douglas rose to the bench, and was for two 
3'ears one of the judges of the supreme court of the state. Lin- 
coln gave his whole attention to the practice of law when not 
engaged in politics, and I am warranted in the statement, upon 
the uniform testimony of all the great lawyers who practiced at 
the bar with him, several of whom are here to-day, testifying by 
their presence the great respect in wliich he was held by them, that 
he ranked among the first lawyers of the state. Both entered politi- 
cal life about the same time. Douglas came from Vermont, where 
libertjr early took shelter from tyrannj^, and Avhere slavery found 
no friends; Lincoln from the " dark and bloody ground" where 
slaverj' was already a planted institution; one from the north, 
the other from the south; one from a free, the other from a slave 
stale. From 1840 down to 1858 they met at intervals in public 
discussion, and time and again had debated all the political 
questions of those times. Both had stendil}' grown in public favor, 
and both had been laborious and faithful students of the history 
of their countrj', and of every public interest concerning that 
country. In the interval Lincoln had served one term in con- 
gress. One circumstance, not suflSciently considered, had much, I 
think, to do with forming the political character of these two men, 



AND THE NATIONAL IJNCOLN MONUMENT. 317 

ami of giving them prnniinfiicc before tlie country— at least 
upon the subject of slaveiy. It was one of location. Living 
between the thirty-ninth and fortietli parallels, where the mighty 
currents of population flowing ceaselessly west from the north and 
south first met — where men with anti-slavery and men with pro-sla- 
very views came together, compared ideas and freely discussed I he 
subject, for the first time, on equal terms and out of its presence ; 
where there could be no campaign and no election to choose offi- 
cers for the ordinary purpose of civil administration that did not 
bring together at the polls voters of opposing convictions upon this 
question, it could not be otherwise than that these prominent 
men should be brought to ponder upon it and to sift and weigh 
all the feelings and sentiments involved, and all the arguments 
brought to bear, one way or the other, upon the whole subject. 
Out of the range of extreme views either wa5r,3'et meeting the sub- 
ject as other public men in tlie north or south could not, the}' pos- 
sessed advantages for its fullest consideration. Both were for a 
long time inclined to compromise. By 1854 Douglas' position may 
be perhaps most fairly and correctly stated as one comparatively of 
indifference — he would leave it to the people to decide for them- 
selves. Lincoln, on the contrary, had come to look upon slaver}- 
as a great wrong, a wrong to be dealt with, and, if possible, to be 
got rid of. Ripe age and riper experience were preparing these 
men to appear once more on the popular forum. Eighteen hundred 
and fiftj'-eight must come, whether hidden beyond the discern- 
ment of man or the range of the demonstrable relations of cause and 
eflect.wliether attributable to the mysterious movementof the fin- 
ger of Providence over the affairs of nations, or coming rationally 
out of the covetous and grasping nature of man in his greed of 
gain to lay foundations of fortune in disregard of moral precepts 
and against conscience; the event, the time must come, when 
slavery in the United States must be met as a national question — 
must be considered as a domestic institution, and must, in the 
end, be plucked up by the roots and eradicated from tlie soil of 
the republic. 

These two great leaders met in joint debate in August, eigh- 
teen hundred and fifty-eight. The whole country were spectators, 
for now both were men of renown. 



318 THE GREAT FUNERAT. CORTEGE, 

Doufrlas, well fortified with natural gifts, a strono- intellpct. a 
clear uiidirstaiiding-, hroad views, a most tenacious and tireless 
memory, bold in thought, deep iu conception, with a robust con- 
stitution, and though iu physical stature by no means a giant, bad 
come, by his sixteen j'ears of public service in congress, his many 
admirable speecliesand his shining mental qualities, to be regard- 
ed as I lie "little giant" — entirely familiar with the political his- 
tory' of tlie country, a life-long democrat, true to his party, and 
resting with undoubting confidence upon its fealty, while it was 
warm in its attachment to him and proud of his leadership, pop- 
ular in his manners, genial and warm-hearted by nature, but 
austere and courageous iu the presence of his adversary; with a 
facult3% excelled by no American statesman, of clothing iu the 
most exact and forcible language political definitions; clear, log- 
ical, fluent, and at times eloquent, and withal exceedingly 
ingenuous, — he was a man on the stump, before the people, in a 
campaign, greatly to be dreaded. 

Lincoln — calm, self-possessed, contemplative by nature, his 
mind capable of the deepest penetration, able to grasp any pro- 
position and to analyze eveiy element it contained; cautious, 
taking no position until every step leading to it had been tested, 
measured and planted in its appropriate place, but, once resolved 
upon, not to be driven from it by open denunciation or specious 
exposition; by no means dogmatic, but exceedingly tenacious of 
a conviction; shrewd in discovering the weak parts of an argu- 
ment, and capable of unraveling the most complex sophistry; 
clear in statement, powerful in argument, forcible in illustration, 
bringing home to the learned and unlearned alike, bj' reasoning 
the simplest and purest, a clear understanding of the subject in 
debate; rich in raillery, prolific of anecdote, fond of apothegm ; 
in his presence the pretender finding no quarter and the pretense 
no mere}'; seeking no advantage, but hoping to make the right 
appear to all men as the right by addressing liimself to the rea- 
son; the people who listened were lifted up and made to feel, b}' 
his appeals to their understanding and higher natures, that they 
were a part of the country and rightfully responsible for its laws 
and morals; witii a humanity that included all racers and nations; 
an houesty that extracted praises from his adversaiy, touched by 
the conviction that a great wrong was about being done, or moved 



AND THE NATIOXAT. LINCOLN MONUMENT. 319 

by the coiisciousuess of impending evil to his country, — lie ranked 
high above the standard of ordinary debate, and at times was 
truly eloquent. 

The debate covered the entire grouud of the slavery question, 
and developed the views held bj-- each at that time. Douglas — 
notwithstanding he was perplexed with the Dred Scott decision, 
which, in some way, he held himself bound to respect as a judi- 
cial interpretation of the constitution, although it carried slaves 
as property, entitled to no less protection Ijlian anj' other property^ 
into the territories against the will of the people, or any law 
of congress or a territorial legislature to exclude it, and to that 
extent seemed destructive of the great principle of popular sov" 
ereignty to which he was so heartily devoted, and which in his 
party he had at one time nationalized — continued boldly to 
defend his favorite doctrine, and still held the people might ex- 
clude slaverx"- from the territories b}' unfriendly legislation. 
Lincoln, regarding the decision as fixing the status of Dred Scott 
for the time being, fervently denied that it was a just exposition 
of the constitution, earnestly denounced it as violative of human 
rights, and pledged himself to oppose it as such until a just public 
sentiment should legally provide the means to- reverse it. He 
held slavery to be a moral, social and political wrong, and pro- 
tested against the further spread of it into the territories. At the 
election which followed, Lincoln received a majority of the 
popular vote — Douglas a majority in the legislature, and was re- 
elected to the United States senate for a third term. 

A strange destiny seemed to hang over these two men ; they 
were once more to be opposed in a contest for earthly honors, for 
the position of highest usefulness to the truly patriotic — for the 
highest prize within the gift of the American people. Lincoln, 
fresh from the late contest with Douglas, and, though defeated, 
occupying higher ground in the public esteem than ever before, 
now more generally known throughout the country, honored for 
the dignity of his course and the wonderful abilities he liad shown 
in that debate, was nominated by the republican party in 1860 its 
candidate for the presidency. 

Douglas, to whom the democratic party was more indebted 
than to any living man for zeal in defending its principles, and 
for the wisdom he had shown in finding grouud on the slavery 



320 THE GREAT FUXERAT. CORTEGE, 

question upon wliicli it could stand -witli any hope of success, 
"wbo liiid been repeatedly named for president, who was in fact 
looked U]wn as the only man entitled to its candidacy, but who 
at the last moment was forsaken by that branch of it which owed 
him far more than his more faithful followers of the north, and 
whose defection closed his chances of an election, faithful to the 
constitution and the union, became the candidate of the national 
democracy. I will not dwell for a moment upon the great cam- 
paign. It is enough to say Lincoln was elected president of the 
United States. The charmed circle woven by the slave oligarchy 
around the temple of liberty was broken, and the great advocate 
of human rights placed at the helm of the enfranchised policy 
of the future. Douglas, calm and dignified in defeat, awaited the 
inaugural of the president for his new policy. The moment the 
address of the president was closed he arose, expressed satis- 
faction with its tone, and gave promise of a cordial support to all 
measures looking to the preservation of peace and the perpetua- 
tion of the union. "I take great- pleasure," he said, in January, 
1861, ''In saying, however, I do not believe tiiat the rights of the 
south will materially suffer under the administration of Mr. 
Lincoln." His last utterances in tlie senate were for the preser- 
vation of the constitution, the union and the country. At a 
later day in yonder capitol, in sight of the spot where I now 
stand, his last words were words of flaming patriotism, his last 
admonition was to traitors, his last appeal to patriots. "The 
shortest road to peace lies through the most magnificent and 
stupendous preparations for war." United in the liigh resolve to 
maintain the dignity, the honor and the glory of tlieir country, 
both fell victims in the same cause, and both lie buried in the 
same state. 

Who of living men shall forget, and when shall history cease 
to recount the awful circumstances in rapid succession forming 
all along the horizon of our unoffending country's long career of 
peace, in the December of 1860? One by one states were falling 
away from the union ; treason, rank and foul, was plying its en- 
vious arts; passions long pent up were breaking over the re- 
straints of prudence ; the piled clouds of long years of wrath 
were making ready to burst in torrents of devastation upon a peo- 
ple not aroused, and not capable of being aroused for mouths, to 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 321 

the fatal destinj' in store for them. Congress, as the winter wore 
aw^-xy, unable to solve the difficulties, at last gave up all liope of 
a settlement, and adjourned on the 4th of March, 1861. 

To the administration of the affairs of a nation in such plight, 
Abraham Lincoln had just been chosen by his grateful country- 
men. With that large class of men in the west who knew him per- 
sonally — were more familiar with his many qualities for such a trial 
— it was believed he would be equal to the gravity of the situation. 
The world did not know him so well, and might well enougli 
question his capacitj'. He knew this and felt it. Lincoln had 
many advantages to fit him for liis great work. He was a man of 
great personal courage and so moulded by nature as to endnre 
any amount of physical labor. His habits were unexceptionably 
good — he indulged in none of the vices of society, sometimes 
carried to extremes in public men. He had no tastes that were 
not simple and pure — he was born and lived among the common 
people — he was of them, and in deep sympathy with them — he had 
no wishes,no ambitions, to lead him away from nor to make him for- 
get their best interests — he had seen nothing of the world outside of 
his native land, and as he had prospered and grown into distinc- 
tion under its benign institutions, he loved liis country intensely, 
and wished to see it strengthened and perpetuated. Wholly un- 
suspecting and most indulgent of views and sentiments opposed 
to his own, he was slow to believe that men would seriously com- 
bine and deliberately conspire by force of anus to destroy the 
union. With the greatest humility and self abnegation he set 
out from his home in February, 1861, to enter upon the great 
work to which he had been dedicated. His own parting words 
will best express his feelings at that moment : 

" My friends, no one not in my position can realize the sadness 
I feel at this parting. To this people I owe all that I am. Here 
I have lived more than a quarter of a century; here my children 
were born, and here one of them lies buried. I know not how 
soon I shall see 3'ou again. I go to assume a task more difficult 
than that which has devolved upon any man since the days of 
Washington. He never could have succeded except for the aid 
of Divine Providence, up(m which at all times he relied. I feel 
that I cannot succeed without the same Divine blessing which 
sustained him, and ou the same Almighty being I place my re- 

21 



;09 



THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 



liance for support, and I hope j'ou, my friends, will pray all that I 
may receive tliat Divine assistance, without which I cannot suc- 
ceed, but with which success is cei'tain. Again I bid you all an 
affectionate farewell." 

His journey to Washington was one continued ovation. He 
spoke at many places, but his addresses were all marked by the 
.same sad spirit. At Philadelphia, in Independence Hall, touched 
by the memory of revolutionary times, and dimly catching a 
glimpse of his own sad end, he said: 

"All the political sentiments I entertain have been drawn, so 
far as I have been able to draw them, from the sentiments which 
originated in and were given to Ihe world from this Hall. I never 
had a feeling political!}'- that did not spring from the sentiments 
embodied in the Declaration of Independence. That serdimerd 
it was which gave promise tliat in due time the weight would be 
lifted from the shoulders of men. Now, my friends, can this 
country be saved upon that basis? If it can I will consider my- 
self one of the happiest men in the world, if I can help to save it. 
If it cannot be saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful ; 
l)ut if this country cannot be saved without giving up that princi- 
ple, I was about to sa}', I would rather be assassinated on the spot 
than surrender it. I have said nothing but what I am willing to 
live by, and if it be the pleasure of Almighty God, to die by. " 

He found the national capital smothered witlh seditious and 
treasonable sentiments. 'It was even seriously doubted that he 
would be peaceabl}' inaugurated. On March 4th he sent forth to 
an anxious country hi,s inaugural address. It was marked by 
wisdom, dignity and forebearauce. The whole north accepted it 
MS the emanation of a patriotic heart, and as a just and true ex- 
position of the constitution and his duty. 

"I hold that in contemplation of universal law, and of the con- 
stitution, the union of the states isperpelual. I therefore consid- 
er tliat in view of the constitution, the union is unbroken, and to 
the extent of my abilitj' I shalt take care that the laws of the 
union be faithfull}' executed in all llie states. In doing this there 
need be no blood shed nor violence, unless it be forced upon the 
national authority. In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-couu- 
trymeu, and not in mine, are the UKmieutous issues of civil war. 
The government will not assail you — you can have no conflict 
without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath 



AND THE ^TATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 323 

rGc:istered in heaven to destroy the government, while I shall 
have the most solemn one to preserve, protect and defend it. I 
am loth to close. We are not enemies, but friends. "We must not 
he enemies. Tliougli passion may have strained, it must not 
lireak our bond of affection. The mystic chords of mcmor}'-, 
stretching from every battle field and patriot grave to every liv- 
ing heart hearth.stone all over this broad land, will yet swell the 
clH^rus of the union, wlieu again touched, as surely thej' will 
be, by the better angels of our nature." 

Ill the light of the intervening and sad experience between 
tlmt day and this, we now see how fatal the mistake that would 
not heed such words of warning and hope. No suggestion's of 
amicable settlement, uo appeals to love ofcountrj^ no imploring 
for peace, could stay the mad current of events. War we must 
have — long, cruel, fratricidal war. 

We shall fail, if auj^ attempt be made to compare his administra- 
tion with tliat of any other president. It lias uo standard of com- 
parison. The circumstances are in no respect similar, save in' 
the most formal parts. The first and older presidents came to the 
discharge of their great duties after the close of a war, and the ex- 
periment of a temporary government between that war and the 
esfublishment of a constitutional government, surrounded with 
peace and the warm attachments of a people co-operating from 
all parts of the country in zealous tflbrts to settle the founda- 
tion of an empire of free people. Their successors had wars, 
but the}' were foreign wars. Save in one instance, there was not 
even the sei-ious threat of civil war. The thoughts of the great 
men who preceded him in tlie office of president of tlie 
United States were directed almost wholly to the establishment 
of good government under a -constitution to be interpreted and 
applied to the multifarious wants and circumstances of a rising 
agricultural, planting, manufjicturing and commercial people; to 
lixing in the public mind the just relation existing and to continue 
to exist between the states and the new nation, and to extending 
and cu'.tivating peaceable and commercial relations Avith the civ- 
ilized nations of the earth Those who liave succeeded him in the 
great office, found the country at peace with the world and free 
from civil war, rebellion or insurrection— encumbered, it is true, 
with dismembered fnigments, and poisonous with tlie smell of 



324 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

civil -war and bloodsherl, requiriug talents of the highest order, 
and the greatest firmness and prudeuce,to properly remould them 
into the union. Tested by the circumstances of either, no stand- 
ard will be found. 

He entered upon the performance of his duties like one feeling 
his way amid precipices in the darkness of night. Habitually re- 
gardful of the rights of all, with a sincere respect for the consti- 
tution, he w^ould exercise no doubtful power unless absolutely in 
the interest of the union. His guiding star, his last hope, was the 
union. When it was believed to be in peril, from whatever 
cause, he would arrest that cause, and appeal to the people and 
to congress to sustain him. He would suspend the writ of habeas 
carpus, increase the regular army, and call out volunteers to pre- 
serve, if possible, the union, and await the approval of congress, 
which was sure to come. Day by day, as the storm was raging, 
month by month, as the cause of the union seemed more doubt- 
ful, he grew and strengthened and expanded, steadily gaining 
a stronger hold upon the country. Year after year, as his mes- 
sages were laid before congress, with the mournful statement, 
"the war still continues," the people, with a never-failing confi- 
dence in his wisdom, held to his policy, and stood firm in= his 
support. 

These messages will stand, as state papers, the test of time and 
all criticism. His arguments against peaceable and forcible 
secession, and his admirable and exhaustive reasoning on the 
whole subject of our domestic troubles, will stand as monuments 
of intellect, logic and learning, as models of purity and vigor, for 
all time in American political literature. He became the great cen- 
tral figure in the mighty panorama of war. All eyes were turned 
upon him, and he was by no means exempted from the severest 
criticism, from the bitterest complaints, and from the general 
discontent, when some fault was discovered or some unexpected ca. 
lamity overtook the country or our arms. Those who craved 
peace blamed Lincoln that it did not come; those who clamored 
for a more vigorous prosecution of the war, blamed him equally 
without just cause. When those confiicts of words were raging 
around him he was usually silent, or if he replied, it was always 
in good temper, and always with complete eflect. In the fall of 
1863, to a storm of this kind which had been raging for some 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 325 

time, hereplie'l: " Tliere are those who are dissatisfied with 
me ; to such I would say : You desire peace, and you blame me 
that you do not have it, but liow can we obtain it? There are 
but three conceivable ways. First to suppress the rebellion by 
force of arms. This I am tryins;' to dc — are you for it? If you 
are, so far we are agreed. If }'on are not for it, a second way is 
to give up the union. I am against that — are you for it? If you 
are, you should say so plainly. If you are not for force nor yet 
for dissolution, there only remains some imaginable compromise. 
I do not believe any compromise embracing the maintenance of 
the union is possible. Peace does not appear to be so distant as 
it did. I hope it will come soon, and come to stay, and so come 
as to be worth the keeping in all future time. Still, let us not be 
over sanguine of a speedy, final triumpli. Let us be quite sober; let 
us diligently apply the means, never doubting that a just God, 
in his own good time, will give us the rightful result." 

Deeply impressed with the conviction that he was presiding 
over a "government of the people, by the people and for the peo 
pie," and that such government has no safe foundation, except as 
it shall rest upon the will, the free, outspoken opinion and will of 
the people, he studied with never ceasing industry not only to find 
out public opinion, but how also to enlighten and advance it. He 
was a tower of strength in aiding popular opinion to move for- 
ward from old to new, from good to better and advanced posi- 
tions. He listened attentively to the popular voice, and what is 
more, and now was greatly to his advantage, fi'om long associa- 
tion with the people, and liaving iiad much to do for most of his 
life in materially aiding in giving direction to public opinion, he 
knew liow to discriminate between bluster and earnestness — be- 
tween the ceaseless rattle of a vast amount of floating wisdom, 
the immature suggestions of the meddlesome few, and the more 
solid convictions of an earnest and patient people taking time to 
come to just and reasonable conclusicni. But once discovered, 
once known to be honest, reliable and definitely formed public 
opinion, lie graciouslj'^ and firmly moved forward with it, taking 
the right step at the right time, in the right direction ; and upon 
the consummations of his administration, who shall look back 
and find an error? Therefore it was, his opinions were all pow- 



326 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

erful witli the people, Vi'ith the congress, and in the deliberations 
of his cabinet. 

Profoundly absorbed ^vith the great events around him, deeply 
penetrated with the sufferings of his cpuntr}-^, superintending the 
operations of a million of men on land and sea, watching Avith 
ceaseless vigilance the movements of the enemy, deliberating 
■with his able cabinet, consulting with the generals of his armies 
and the commanders of his fleets, keeping a constant watch upon 
our somewhat delicate foreign relations, and ever faithfully weigh- 
ing the suggestions coming to him from the great body of the peo- 
ple, he did not descend into the details of administration, andper- 
hrps did not consider it of serious importance who were appoint- 
ed to subordinate positions in the civil service, or possibly who 
was sent as minister to a foreign court. Who now shall go carp- 
ing about the country, and what good shall come of it, intimating 
that he was of humble origin, without education, unlearned in 
the philosoph}' of government and the polite literaluru of diplo- 
mac}', and that therefore he was not the master of his cour.cil ? 
Leaving, and wisel}' leaving, to the heads of the various depart- 
ments the management and direction of the ordinary and formal 
duties of each, which are never unimportant, but in a great civil 
war of the highest siguiticanoe, in the higher and graver respon- 
sibilities of his oflice, as to what policj' should control in meas- 
vires for the prosecution of the war, the preservation of the union 
aJid the emancipation of a race, it is not true, and therefore ought 
not to be history, that he was not the leading spirit of his admin- 
istration. Jt is altogether true to say, and this without disparage- 
ment to the distinguished men who composed it — respected, hon- 
ored and loved as they ever will be by a grateful country, that in 
his cabinet he was premier and without peer. 

It is but repeating history to state the rebellion was organized 
and fought upon the idea of founding a confederacy upon the 
corner stone of human slaverj'. It was the counter purpose of 
the friends of the national government to resist the dissolution of 
the union for this or any other purpose, and to leave the institu- 
tion of slavery to state control, where it then existed, and to 
trust to time and the growth of a better sentiment for its final ex- 
tinction. It was, therefore, alike the cause of the war and the 
curse of the country. From the first it was an element to be 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 327 

dealt with, and in those times, with the views of man)' of our 
friends, not yet reconciled upon its many aspects, to be cautiously 
and wisely dealt witli. Lincoln knew this, knew it better than 
the manj^ earnest and impiitient friends of emancipation, and was 
perhaps better qualified to manage it than any other living man. 
His views upon the subject were known to the whole country at 
the time of the inauguration, for Ihey had undergone no change 
since the election. If the south would remain in the union, he 
would not disturb the institution in the states. If they would 
dissolve the union, he would be released from that policy. The 
war laging, and the enemy utilizing these ver}' slaves tostill more 
firmly rivet their own cliaiiis, those of them escaping from the 
lines of the enemy or captured in his posts or garrisons were per- 
mitted to remain inside of ours, and being neither slave or free, 
to tlieir utter amazement became contrabands. Next they were 
given employment in subordinate positions wi*^h our armies in 
the fic-ld. The war still raging, and prejudice against tliese uu- 
liappy people measurably giving waj^, a few were permitted to 
garrison our forts, and finally, good sense and patriotism, conquer- 
ing hesitation and doubt, they were regularly enlisted, armed, 
equipped and mustered into tlie service of the United States as 
defenders of the republic. 

That no experiment miglit remain untried, that no expedient 
might go untested, early in tlie war Lincoln favored colonization 
upon consent of the colored race and of the countr}' to wiiich 
they might prefer to go. This proving unexceptable and imprac- 
ticable, the president next proposed, and with great earnestness 
urged upon theborder states, in the hope that all might ultimately 
accept the plan, compensated emancipation. But all these 
schemes and projects failed. One other was waiting, wliich, in 
tlie jn-ovidence of God, could not fail. The conviction was stead- 
ily growing in the public mind that it was the true and only one — 
that justice, mercy and fair dealing between man and man de- 
manded it, and that final success to our arms could not and ought 
not to come without it. Lincoln, tired of expedients, chastened 
and strengthened by the woes of his country, patiently awaited 
the coming of the hour when a divided and hesitating public 
opinion, united at last upon its justness and expedienc)', would 
hail Willi joy the great deed. Responding to the instincts of his 



328 THE GREAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

own nature, arrayed in the full development of all the powers 
that God liad given him, with resolution unalterable and purpose 
irrevocable, he announced to the Avorld his proclamation of eman- 
cipation. It was "the new birth of freedom." Thenceforward 
the issue was not doubtful. The last great remedy had been ap- 
plied. It was the true one. It brought victory to our arms and 
safety to our country. It falls to the lot of few men to connec. 
their names with great events, but here was a great event and 
a great principle — the priuciple of universal emancipation; the 
principle that no man is so low that he should be cut off from 
freedom and citizenship in a great republic. His name is linked 
forever with both. 

If history shall become ungrateful and moral obligations cease 
to respond to the calls of justice and patriotism in that race to 
which he was born, liis fame will still be safe. Another race of 
four millions, with their countless descendants of free-born chil- 
dren, holding liis memory in precious reverence, will sing an- 
thems of praise and gratitude to his name forever. 

The commencement of his second term as president of the 
United States, and the close of the rebellion, came closely together. 
I do not know that the time or the place is fitting for an examin- 
ation of the course likely to have been taken by him upon the 
question of what is now known as reconstruction. It> is true to 
say, from the great hold he had upon the hearts of the people, 
and their immovable confidence in him— a confidence perhaps 
enjoyed by no president from Washington down to his own time — 
any plan maturely considered and seriously put forward by Lin- 
coln would have met witli favor, and it is probable would have 
been adopted by the people. He was a merciful and forgiving 
man. He promptly ratified tlie generous terms of surrender 
dictated to the armies of the rebelliou by his humane and victori- 
ous general. His proclamation of pardon and amnesty, of De- 
cember, 1863, granted, with restoration of all property rights, the 
right to vote to all, with certain specified exceptions as to classes, 
who liad been in rebellion, and who would subscribe an oath to 
support tlie constitution of the United Slates and the union 
thereunder, and faithfully abide by and support all acts of con- 
gress and proclamations of the president having reference to 
slaves. This, it must be remembered, was during the war. But 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 329 

now that peace had come, by surrender and not by compromise, 
as in 1861, actual rebellion had released him from the policy of 
leaving slavery to the states, and in time allowed him to move 
forward to emancipation, so in 1865 compulsory submission would 
have released hii\) from terms proposed in 1863, and permitted 
him to move forward to higlier and broader grounds. In addition 
to the two great facts that the circumstances of the white and 
colored population had, at the close of the war, entirely changed, 
and the glimpses on several occasions given out of a purpose 
on his part to favor a most enlightened and liberal policy as to 
all, so as to reunite the country upon a just and enduring basis, 
stood the great fact that in 1861 he had said he would rather be 
assassinated than surrender the sentiment in the Declaration of 
Independence that "all men are created equal." It is not likely 
at'the close of a contest in which that principle had been saved, 
and for the first time applied to the whole countr}', he would 
have favored any plan which would deny to either those who 
had laid down their arms against the government, or those who 
had used them in its preservation, the fullest rights implied and 
covered by the broad declaration that all men are equal. 

Who shall forget that memorable scene in the city of Richmond, 
which ought to be cherished and perpetuated forever as part of the 
historj' of the closing daj's of the unhappy strife, where the great 
and good man— his heart swelling with modest pride, leading hislit- 
tle son by the hand through the deserted streets of the once proud 
capital of treason, and beholding once more theflagof his country 
in place of a strange and usurping one, restored to its rightful do- 
minion over an undivided union ; grateful to Almighty God that 
in His own good time peace had returned to a divided and sor- 
rowing people; cheered and animated by the hope of a long 
future of prosperity and happiness to the country — gave assurance 
to the scattered and remaining few of those who were but j^ester- 
day in arms against that flag, as they eagerly gathered about 
him, of forgiveness and an early restoration to all rights in the 
old government; and to the humble and long oppressed, rescued 
from a servitude dishonorable alike to humanity and to that flag, 
of freedom and citizenship in the great republic forever! Who 
shall measure the usefulness of the life of such a man ? and who 
shall hope to do his memory justice? In the long range and 



330 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

course of time, come wliat maj'- — whether a republic grounded on 
the immovable foundations of justice and freedom, approved after 
long experience and ages of human happiness as the best form 
of human government still standing, or whether a republic, torn 
into factions and rent by the mad ambitions of men, in ruins^this 
monument, an enduring testimonial to the humble life, glori- 
ous deeds and the shining example of the great citizen and mart}T, 
will stand for the illumination of all men of every clime, nation- 
ality and condition, Avho, in search of the highest aims and loftiest 
purposes of life, shall come to this fountain for inspiration and 
hope. -Here the humble may take new courage, the proud learn 
humility, the ambitious that the true wa}' to greatness lies through 
industry, integrity and patriotism, and all men that r>n]y the trulj' 
good can be truh^ great. In no other country under the sun could 
the obscure boy have found hiswa)' through the long succession 
of mysterious and grave events to such eminence and power; and 
where and in what land can one be found who wielded power 
with such grace, humanity and wisdom? The living assign him 
his proper place in the affections of all men. Posterity, pro- 
foundly moved by the simplicity of his private life, elevated and 
eulightened by the purity and splendor of his administration and 
public services, cannot fail to fix his place amongst those wlio 
shall rank highest in their veneration. He has gone to the firma- 
ment of Washington, and a new light shines down upon his be- 
loved countr3'men from the American constellation. 

And now, by the authority and under the direction of the 
National Lincoln Monument Association, in the presence of this 
vast assemblage, who bear testimony to the fact, and under the 
gracious fiivor of Almighty God, I dedicate this Monument to the 
memory of the obscure boy, the honest man, the illustrious 
statesman, the great liberator, and the martyr President, Abraham 
Lincoln, and the keeping of time. 

Behold tlie image of the Man ! 

As the closing words fell from the speaker's lips, 

THE STATUE WAS UNVEILED 

By two nuns, of the order of St. Dominic, ^Mother 
Josepha and Sister Kachel^ from Jacksonville, who 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 331 

had been specially invited to perform that duty in 
consequence of the respect felt for their order by the 
many soldiers who had witnessed their self-sacrificiug 
labors in the camps and hospitals during the war for 
the Union. 

As the veil of red and white silk slowly moved 
down before the statue, the vast multitude stood for a 
moment in breathless silence, followed by a gentle clap- 
})ing of the hands and a subdued murmur of applause. 
The choir then sang, " Kest, Spirit, Rest." 

The following 

DEDICATION POEM, 
BY JAMES JUDSON LOKD. 

Of Springfield, Illinois, was then read by Eichard 
Edwards, LL. D., President of Illinois State Normal 
University at Bloomington : 

We build not here a temple or a shriue, 
Nor liero-faue to demigods divine; 
Nor to the clouds a superstructure rear 
For man's ambition or for servile fear. 
Not to the Dust, but to the Deeds alone 
A grateful people raise th' historic stone ; 
For where a patriot lived, or hero fell, 
The daisied turf would mark the spot as well. 

What though the Pyramids, with apex high. 

Like Alpine peaks cleave Egypt's rainless sky, 

And cast grim shadows o'er a desert land 

Forever blighted by oppression's hand? 

No patriot zeal their deep foundations laid — 

No freeman's hand their darken'd chambers made — 

No public weal inspired the heart with love, 

To see their summits tow'ring high above. 

The ruling Pharaoh, proud and gory-stained, 



332 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

With vain ambitions never yet attained ; — 

With brow enclouded as his marble tlirone, 

And heart unyielding as the building stone; — 

Sought with the scourge to make mankind his slaves, 

And heaven's free sunlight darker than their graves. 

His but to will, and theirs to j'ield and feel. 

Like vermin'd dust beneath his iron heel; — 

Denies all mercy, and all right offends. 

Till on his head th' avenging Plague descends. 



Historic Justice bids the nations know 

That through each land of slaves a Nile of blood shall tiow: 

And Vendome Columns, on a people thrust, 

Are, by the people, level'd with the dust. 



Nor stone, nor brcmze, can fit memorials yield 

For deeds of valor on the bloody field, 

'Neath war's dark clouds the sturdy volunteer, 

By freedom taught his country to revere, 

Bids home and friends a hasty, sad adieu, 

And treads where dangers all his steps pursue ; 

Finds cold and ftimine on his dauntless way, 

And with mute patience brooks the long delay, 

Or hears the trumpet, or the thrilling drum 

Peal the long roll that calls: "They come! they come! 

Then to the front with battling hosts he fiies, 

And lives to triumph, or for freedom dies. 



Thund'ring amain along the rocky strand. 
The Ocean claims her honors with the Laud. 
Loud on the gale she chimes the wild refrain, 
Or with low murmur wails her heroes slain! 
In gory hulks, with spliuter'd mast and spar. 
Rocks on her stormy breast the valiant Tar: — 
Lash'd to the mast he gives the high command. 
Or midst the fight, sinks with the Cumberland. 



AND THE NATIONAT. TJXf'OI.X :\f()NUMFNT. 333 

Beloved banner of the azure sky, 

Tlij' rightful home where'er thy eagles fly; 

On thy blue fields the stars of heav'n descend, 

And to our day a purer luster lend. 

O, Righteous God ! who guard'st the right alway, 

And bade Thy peace to come, " and come to stay : " 

And while war's deluge fill'd the land with blood, 

With bow of promise arch'd the crimson flood, — 

From fratricidal strife our banner screen, 

And let it float henceforth in skies sereue. 



Yet cunning art shall here her triumphs bring. 
And laurel'd bards their choicest anthems sing. 
Here, honor'd age shall bare its wintery brow, 
And youth to freedom make a Spartan vow. 
Here, ripen'd manhood from its walks profound. 
Shall come and halt, as if on hallow'd ground. 
Here shall the urn with fragrant wreaths be drest, 
By tender hands the flow'ry tributes prest; 
And wending westward, from oppressions far. 
Shall pilgrims come led by our freedom-star ; 
While bending lowly, as o'er friendly pall, 
The silent tear from ebon cheeks shall fall. 



Sterile and vain the tributes which we pay — 
It is the Past that consecrates to-day 
The spot where rests one of the noble few 
Who saw the right, and dared the right to do. 
True to himself and to his fellow men, 
With patient hand he moved the potent pen, 
Wliose inky stream did, like the Red sea's flow, 
Such bondage break and such a host o'erthrow ! 
The simple parchment on its fleeting page 
Bespeaks the import of the better age, — 
When man, for man, no more shall forge the chain. 
Nor armies tread the shore, nor navies plow the main. 
Then shall this boon to human freedom given 



33-4 THE GFwEAT FUXERAL CORTEGE, 

I'e fitly deem'd a sacred gift of heaven ; — 
Though of the earth, it is no less divine, — 
Founded on truth it will forever shine, 
lieflecting rays from heaven's unchanging plan — 
The law of right and brotherhood of man. 

After music by the band, Gen. U. S. Grant, Presi- 
dent of the United States, was introduced, and deliy- 
ered the following brief, but for him lengthy, 

A DDRESS. 

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : 

On an occasion like the present I feel it a duty on m}- part to 
bear testimonj^ to the great and good qualities of the patriotic 
man whose earthly remains rest beneath the monument now being 
dedicated. It was not my fortune to make the personal acquain- 
tance of Mr. Lincoln until the last year of the great struggle for 
national existence. During the three years of doubting and de- 
spondency among the manj^ patriotic men of the country, Abra- 
ham Lincoln never for a moment doubted that the final result 
would be in favor of peace, union, and freedom to every race in 
this broad land. His faith in an All-wise Providence directing 
our arms to this final result was the faith of the Christian that 
his Redeemer liveth. Amidst obloquj^ personal abuse, and hate 
undisguised, and which was given vent to without restraint 
through the press, upon the stump, and in private circles, he re- 
mained the same staunch, unyielding servant of the people, never 
exhibiting a revengeful feeling towards his traducers,but he rather 
pitied them, and hoped, for their own sake, and the good name 
of their posterity, that they might desist. For a single moment 
it did not occur to him that the man Lincoln was being assailed, 
but that a treasonable spirit — one willing to destroy the existence 
of the freest government the sun ever shone upon, was giving 
vent to itself upon him as the Chief Executive of the nation, 
only because he was such Executive. As a lawyer in your midst 
he would liave avoided all this slander — for his life was a pure 
and simple one — and no doubt would have been a much happier 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. ooO 

man, but who can tell what might have been the fate of the 
nation but for the pure, unselfish and wise administration of a 
Lincoln? 

From March, 1864, to the day when the liand of the assassin 
opened a grave for Mr. Lincoln, then President of the United 
States, my personal relations with him were as close and inti- 
mate as the nature of our respective duties would permit. To 
know him personallj' w-as to love and respect him for his great 
qualities of heart and head, and for his patience and patriotism. 
With all his disappointments from failures on the part of 
those to whom he had intrusted command, and treacherj^ on the 
part of those who had gained his confidence but to betray it, I 
never heard him utter a complaint, nor cast a censure for bad 
conduct or bad faith. It was his nature to find excuses for his 
adversaries. In his death the nation lost its greatest hero. In 
his death the South lost its most just friend. 

Hon. Henry Wilson, Vice-President of the United 
States, on being introduced, spoke as follows : 

Mr. CJiairmrni and Fellow-Citizens : 

After listening as yve all have to-day to eloquent voices, I am 
sure that nothing can be added to your gratification. I came 
from my Eastern home from a sense of public duty and from 
affection and regard for the memory of Abraham Lincoln, to 
participate in the services of this day. I thank God that he has 
spared my life to join with you in paying this tribute to the 
great man that Illinois gave to the country aud the nation gave to 
the w-orld, and I shall return to my home, regarding it as among 
the great occasions of my life, and among the blessings of provi 
dence that I have lived to witness what I have witnessed here to- 
day ; and to bear my affectionate tribute and my grateful memory 
to Abraham Lincoln. 

The following is an extract from a speech by Hon. 
U. F. Linder: 

Fellow Citizens : 

I regret that the snows of 66 winters that have fallen upon my 
head have extinguished a great deal of my fervor and eloquence, 



336 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

if I ever had any. I am sorry, fellow-citizens, that I have not 
prepared something short, worthy of the occasion. I am one of 
the aged men. ******* 

(Turning and pointing to the statue) I served in the Legislature 
of 1836 with that venerated man. We didn't always agree in 
politics, but we alwaj-s agreed to disagree as friends. I met him 
in early life, when he first came to tlie State in 1830, in my own 
town, Charleston, Coles county, Illinois. He was dressed in 
plain jeans clothes. I had no idea, then, that he would ever be 
President of the United States, nor did I believe that there was 
any man in the State of Illinois, or that there would ever come 
into the State any man that would be President of the United 
States. ******** 

Mr. Lincoln and myself — to be serious — came from the same 
count}', and were born within ten miles of the same place. He 
came to Indiana — and to a wilderness ; I was educated in Ken- 
tucliy, and though mine was not an extensive library, it stood 
out of reach of anything Lincoln had, and in his presence I con- 
sidered myself always a learned man. And when I contemplate 
a boy like that, for I do suppose his breeches were patched 
at the knees and his arms out at the elbows, starting with his old 
mother to Indiana, then a forest, and jjassing on with his step- 
mother into Illinois, to be a day laborer and a tlatboater ; a man 
way down in the valley of humility, working his way up and 
on through all the phases of that eventful life, his brave and in- 
domitable earnestness, fearlessness and honest}- — never swerving 
from his honest}^ — finally fighting his waj^ to the Presidency, 
where we trace him from that humble cabin in Kentucky to 
yonder monument, where he stands to-da3^ I say it is a mira- 
cle — fellow-citizens it is a miracle which only a Republican 
people can work. Merit will always meet its reward, and 
whenever another Washington shall make his appearance, another 
monument will go up. Yet that monument, however firm its 
base may be, the mouldering tooth of time will eat away; but 
there is another monument dedicated to Lincoln, one built in the 
memory and with words graven in the hearts of his countrymen, 
and till the last of them shall cease to live, and the English lan- 
guage cease to be spoken, that monument shall stand firm and 
unfailing until Gabriel blows his trump on the morning of the 
resurrection. 



AND THE NATIONAT. LINCOLN MONUMENT. 337 

While Mr. Linder was speaking-, Gen. W. T. Sher- 
man stepped quietly away to look at the sarcophagus 
and catacomb containing the body of Mr. Lincoln. 
On being called for he came forward and spoke briefly, 
from which I make the following extracts: 

I came here with feelings of great devotion, desirous to see 
and hear all that could be said, and I did listen with intense 
patience to that most admirable and eloquent speech of our friend, 
General Oglesby, and I turned and looked at the statue of Lin- 
coln, when the flag dropped from it, I gazed upon it long and 
well, because I loved that form most well in life. I can bear him 
no greater aftection than I do. I turned and went with uncle 
Jesse Dubois to see the spot where his body rests. I also met 
the artist of the statue, Mead, whom I knew in Florence, Italy, 
and went with him to various points, and viewed his work. Now 
therefore, I think I have at last done full justice to the subject, 
and I have responded promptly to you. If you will have it so, 
with feelings of kindness for the call to appear in your presence, 
and if I could add one word or utter one single thought that 
would add a particle to the fame of Mr. Lincoln, I would say it 
now; but Mr. Lincoln's writings, his speeches, and his procla- 
mations all bear the stamp of an honest, fearless, great, good man, 
and nothing is truer or better than what General Oglesby has 
said, that " true fame lies solidly only on a pure character and 
blameless reputation." I believe Mr. Lincoln's fame does so 
rest as that of Washington, and that it will always be classified 
side by side with that of Washington. Surely no man ought to 
hope for a higher fame on the earth, and such fame will be Lin- 
coln's. 

Mr. Larkin G. Mead, the artist, was called for, and 
on being introduced to the audience, was greeted with 
applause. He made his bow as graceful as he could 
under the circumstances, and retired. 

Hon. Schuyler Colfax, ex-Vice-President of the 
United States, was called for, and spoke briefly and 
eloquently, quoting from Mr. Lincoln's words, S])oken 
22 



338 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE. 

on the battle field of Gettysburg, Xov. 19th, 1863, 
and applied then to Oak Rid^e Cemetery. 

Hon. — . Forster, M.P., of England, congratulating 
Gov. Palmer on the success of the arrangements and 
carrying into execution the dedication exercises, took 
occasion to sav that the most noticeable feature of the 
assemblage was in the appearance of intelligence, 
thrift, neatness, health and decorum, and expressed 
the opinion that it could not be excelled in these re- 
spects anywhere in the world. Hon. Schuyler Colfax 
expressed the same views. 

At the conclusion of Mr. Colfax's speech, the dox- 
ology was sung, and the benediction pronounced by 
Rev. Albert Hale, of Springfield, which concluded the 
exercises. 

The procession reformed and returned to the city. 
The vast multitude gradually melted away, each and 
all carrying to their homes memories of the day 
and of the occasion that will be cherished while life 
endures. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



It seems peculiarly appropriate that the dedication 
services should have been held in connection with a 
reunion of the survivins: veterans of one of the grand 
divisions of the army that saved the nation. In the 
fallen condition of our race, no government, human 
or divine, has ever commanded respect that was not 
sustained by force against internal as well as well as 
external foes. 

Abraham Lincoln, as President of the United 
States, was Commander-in-Chief of its armies. As- 
such, during the time he was at the head of the nation, 
he commanded more than one million of citizen sol- 
diers. War was forced upon the nation with the 
avowed purpose of destroying it. He was compelled !o 
submit to the dissolution of the Union, or accept war 
to prevent it. By turning to the engraving of the 
Moument and studying it, the reader will see that it 
teaches the lesson that the war was for the preservation 
ofthe Union. When Lincoln became President, March 
4, 1861, war was threatened, and he plead with his dis- 
satisfied fellow-countrymen not to commence hostil- 
ities, thus holding out the olive branch of peace. The 
reply was an attack on Fort Sumter, which was equiva- 
lent to casting the olive branch under foot, as shown in 
the engraving of the coat of arms. The Statue of Lin- 
coln placed above all those emblems, with the coat of 
arms — whicli is emblematic ofthe constitution of tlie 
United States — beneath his feet as a pedestal, gave him 
authority for using the infantry, cavalry, artillery and 
navy, placed below and arouud him ; tor holding tlie 



340 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

States — built in the Monument still lower — in a per- 
petual bond of Union. 

It became imperative for him, as a military necessity, 
to emancipate four millions of slaves, which is indica- 
ted by the pen in his right hand, and the emancipation 
proclamation Avhich he had just written, in his left. 
The broken chain of Slavery, part in the talons of the 
eagle and part in his beak, indicates that the contest 
is ended. As the closing scene to all this, the Com- 
mander-in-Chief dies by a bullet from the hand of a 
rebel fanatic ; thus dying the death of a soldier as 
truly as any of the thousands who gave their lives 
on the field of battle for the preservation of the Un- 
ion. 

Vice President Dubois, in his address, attests the 
zeal and fidelity with which all the members of the 
Association discharged their several duties, but makes 
special mention ofHon. O. ^SI. Hatch, Secretary of the 
Association, Hon. James H. Beveridge, Treasurer, and 
Hon. John T. Stuart, Chairman of the Executive 
Committee. It is no disparagement to the other 
members to mention these three as deserving special 
honor. 

Mr. Hatch has conducted the correspondence of the 
Association and recorded its transactions for nearly 
nine years. To have done this in a private business 
amounting to nearly J5200,000, would have commanded 
a liberal salary, and yet Mr. Hatch has done all this 
without lee or reward, except the consciousness of 
having disciiarged a pleasing but mournful duty. 

Mr. Beveridge has not only faitiifuUy accounted for 
every dollar tliat came into his hands, without retain- 
ing a fartliing for his services, but has added to it many 
thousands in accrued interest. 

The name of John T. Stuart is indissolubly asso- 
ciated with that of Abraham Lincoln, but the parallel 
between them has never been drawn that i am aware 
of. Mr. Stuart was boru iu 1807, iu Uayette county, 



AND THE NATIONAL LTNCOT.N >rONUMENT. 341 

nenr Loxincrton, the vorv richest part of Kentucky — 
of a Scotcli-Irish familv, dlstiiiicjiiished for learnino; 
and refinement ; his fitlier having; been a professor of 
]an2:nao^es in Transylvania University, and after that 
for sevei-al years a minister of the gospel in the Pres- 
byterian church. 

John T. Stuart was educated at Centre College, 
Danville, Ky., having graduated there in 1826, and 
after that spent two years studying in the office of his 
uncle. Judge Breck,in Richmond. Ky. Thus prepared 
to enter upon the duties of life, he turned his back up- 
on home and early friends, and pushing his way to 
the very fi-ontier of civilization in the fall of 1828, 
hung out his sign as an attorney at law in the little col- 
lection of loo; huts, in what was then almost a quag- 
mire, called Springfield, Sangamon county, Illinois. 

Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809, in Hardin 
county, almost the poorest part of Kentucky, being in 
the cavernous limestone region of the Mammoth Cave. 
He came of a Virginia family also, but the very anti- 
podes of the Stuarts in education, refinement and so- 
cial position, being of that class that has, from time 
immemorial, in all slave States, been denominated 
"poor whites." He grew up through the pinchings of 
poverty, without schools or any other elavating social 
influences, but, like the bee that gathers honey from 
every flower, he drew knowledge from any and all 
sources. Unlike Stuart, who chose his theatre of ac- 
tion and went to work with well matured plans, Lin- 
coln merely drifted along, snatching the means to sat- 
isfy the cravings of hunger and to clothe himself in 
the plainest of'homespun, by a day's work here and 
another there, until he finds himself in the more un- 
promising village of New Salem, in the same county 
with Stuart. Not having any regular business, Lin- 
coln was ready to turn his hand to building a fiatboat 
and running it, doing a day's work at chopping, or 



342 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

farm laboi-, or acting as a "sort of clerk" in a conntrv 
store. 

Both beincr on the verge of civilization, the call for 
fighting men to repel the savages who were scalping 
their neighbors, bronght these two men together for 
the first time at what is now Beardstown ; Stuart as 
Major of a battalion, and Lincoln as Captain of one 
of his companies. They stood on common ground. 
There was a foe before them, and both being vouug 
and fond of adventure, were intent on meeting him. 
Danger, and a willingness to face it, made them equal, 
and thev both felt it. The war passed away and tliey 
met in the State Legislature, Lincoln for his first, and 
Stuart for his second term. They roomed together 
and while taking a morning walk at Vandalia, lAn- 
ooln asked Stuart's advice whether it would be best 
for him to study law or not. Stuart advised him to 
commence at once. Lincoln said he was poor and un- 
able to buy books, and Stuart replied with an oifer to 
loan him all the books he needed, and to act as his 
preceptor. At the close of the session, Lincoln visited 
Stuart at Springfield, obtained the books, with the 
necessary instructions, went to New Salem, twenty- 
five miles, and commenced the study of law. Two 
years })ass on, and the preceptor oifers to take his stu- 
dent into partnership, wiiich brings Lincoln to 
Sjn-ingfield. Three years later, Stuart is elected to 
Congress and the partnership ceases. 

They both started out Whigs in politics, and con- 
tinued so until the dissolution of the Whig party, wiien 
both, yielding to the force of early associations, formed 
new j)()litical relations; Stuart affiliating with the 
Democratic party, though never in full sympathy with 
its principles, and Lincoln aiding in the organization 
of the Republican party, but this divergence of polit- 
ical views did not in the least allect their personal 
friendship. 



AND THE NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT. 343 

From that to the present time, the history of Lin- 
coln is known to all the world. While he was serv- 
ing his first term as President of the United States, 
Stuart was elected by the Democratic party to repre- 
sent his district in Congress. This brought them to- 
gether at the Capital of the nation. There is little 
doubt that Lincohi, left to the promptings of his own 
heart, would gladly have conferred office and honors, 
with their emoluments, on his early friend and bene- 
factor, but to have tendered them might have been 
misconstrued. Stuart heartily reciprocated Lincoln's 
friendship, knowing that his own position was one of 
self-sacrifice, as he could not conscientiously place 
himself in a position to expect or receive official pat- 
ronage. He quietly and conscientiously served out 
his term in the House of Representatives and re- 
turned home. 

When the news came that President Lincoln had 
fallen by the hand of an assassin, there was no more 
sincere mourner in Springfield than John T. Stuart. 
As Chairman of a committee appointed at a public 
meeting of citizens on tlieday of Mr. Lincoln's death, 
Mr. Stuart reported a series of resolutions, the princi- 
pal one of wliich was a request tliat the City Council 
appoint a committee to co-operate with the Governor 
of the State in bringing the remains of the fallen Pres- 
ident back to his old home for sepulture. On the 24th 
of April, Mr. Stuart was one of those named by a 
public meeting of the citizens to forma National Lin- 
coln Monument Association. When that body had 
raised funds, matured plans and commenced the work 
of building the Monument, Mr. Stuart was selected as 
one of tlie Lxecutive Committee, and by his col- 
leagues, iiunn and \\ illiams, was made Chairman of 
the same. 

Luring the time the Monument has been buildings 
he lias acted as President of the Springtield City l\aii- 
way Company, President of the Springtield Watch 



.'^44 THE GREAT FUNERAL CORTEGE, 

Companv, also as one of the commissioners for build- 
ing the ne,w State House, He has, for many years, 
been the senior member of the law firm of Stuart, Ed- 
wards and Brown, and is now the third oldest practic- 
ing lawver in the State. Notwithstanding he has been 
thus engaged, the building of the Lincoln Monument 
has been to him so emphatically a labor of love, that, 
without fee or reward, from the time ground was bro- 
ken in September, 1869, his vigilant eye has watched 
everv movement connected with the same, entering in- 
to all the minutia of detail until he saw it completed, 
and witnessed, in the presence of more than twenty 
thousand citizens, the unveiling of the bronze imita- 
tion of his military comrade, legislative colleague, 
law student and partner, whom he had seen rise to the 
higliest official position on earth, become the emanci- 
pator of a race, and a martyr in the cause of liberty and 
good government. That he has witnessed all these 
changes and been more active than any other man in 
erecting this Masoleum, the like of which is no 
where else to be found on the continent of America, 
must be difficult for him to realize. Stretching like a 
panorama over so many years of his life, it must seem 
to him more like some strange vision of the mind thau 
the veritable events of real history. 

The case of Mr, Stuart presents the interesting and 
extraordinary spectacle of a man who was in success- 
ful law practice before Abraham Lincoln ever set foot 
on the prairies of Illinois ; who advised and encour- 
aged him to the study of law ; witnessed his upward 
steps until his fame filled the whole civilized world ; 
now, in the year 1874, nearly ten years after the 
tragic death of Lincoln, practicing his profession 
witiiin a stone's throw of where he commenced, and 
who has not yet reached his three score years and ten, 
but, still strong in body and mind, is slowly and 
gracefully descending the sunset slopes of life. 



AND THE NATIONAT. LINCOLN MONUMENT. 345 

The Executive Comniittee made a report October 
28, 1874, showincT that the architectural part of the 
INIouument is completed, and every obligation paid. 
The report Avas received and approved. On the same 
day, the Association adopted a resolution appointing 
a Custodian, and on the 29th of October it was first 
regularly opened for the reception of visitors. 

The Association now owns six acres of land in a 
central and commanding position in Oak Ridge Cem- 
eterv, with right of way to and from it. According to 
the terms of the charter, the Association terminates 
its existence May 11, 1885. That gives ample time, 
and none too much, for completing the groups of 
Statuary, building a residence for the Custodian, and 
ornamenting the grounds. At the termination of the 
charter, the Monument and grounds pass to the care 
of the State of Illinois, a sacred trust to be transmit- 
ted to posterity. 

It will thus be seen that the eifort to build a Mon- 
ument to the memory of the Illustrious Patriot, 
Abraham Lincoln, has proved a grand success. It 
is a magnificent structure, far surpassing every other 
work of the kind on the continent of America. In 
beauty of design, it is unique. For all coming time 
it will be a Shrine at which patriots will delight to 
renew their vows to Truth, Justice and Liberty. 



CHAPTER XXXI 



OAK RIDGE CEMETERY. 

"VYhen Springfield was only a village, fonr acres of 
land about half a mile west of the old State House 
was donated by Elijah lies for a " grave yard," and a 
few years later another was laid out immediately west 
of it, called Hutchinson Cemetery. It consisted of 
about four acres also, and was regularly laid out. 
Lots were sold, and considerable effort made to or- 
nament the grounds. As the town emerged from its 
village condition and manifested signs of larger growth, 
it became evident that some other arrangement should 
be made for the burial of the dead. With this object 
in view. Alderman Charles H. Lanphier, on the twenty- 
eighth of ]May, 1855, introduced the subject of pur- 
chasing land for a permanent grave yard outside the 
city limits. 

After it was decided by the city council to purchase 
grounds for the purpose designated, two sites were pro- 
posed, and on ])ringing the subject of location to a 
vote, it was found that the aldermen were equally di- 
vided. Gen. John Cook, then and now of Springfield, 
was mayor of the city. The position of the aldermen 
threw the responsibility of giving the casting vote on 
the mayor. The friends of the successful locality 
awarded to INIayor Cook the honor of naming the 
ground, and he called it Oak Ridge Cemetery. On 
the fourth of June the city received of A. G. Herndon 
and wife, a deed to a fraction less than seventeen acres 
of land, for which it paid three hundred and fifty dollars. 
On the fourteenth of May, 1856, eleven and a lialf acres 



OAK RIDGE CEMETERY. 347 

more were purchased as an addition to the cemetery. 
At the same time — INIay 14, 1856 — an ordinance was 
passed by the city council prohibiting interments in 
the old town grave yard, and forbidding the enlarge- 
ment of any cemetery within half a mile of the city 
limits, which latter provision could only apply to 
Hutchinson Cemetery. An additional ordinance Avas 
passed at the same time, setting apart the twenty-eight 
and a half acres as a place of burial for the dead, un- 
der the name given it by mayor Cook. The cemetery 
was enclosed with a substantial fence at the expense 
of the city, and for two or three years it was used as a 
place of burial for the poor only. There being no 
sexton, parties dug graves wherever they pleased, of 
which there was no record preserved. 

On the eighteenth of April, 1858, and from that time, 
a register has been kept of all the interments. The 
grounds began to present a more orderly appearance, but 
it required a great amount of labor to remove the un- 
der-brush. Up to this time the ground was directly 
under the control of the city authorities, but it was 
thought desirable to identify lot owners more closely 
with it, and make them, to some extent, responsible 
for its management. In 1859 the Legislature Mas ap- 
plied to for some charter amendments, which were 
granted, authorizing the city council to elect annually 
a board of five managers, each one of whom should be 
a lot owner, and whose duty it should be to take charge 
of all the funds set apart for the use of the cemetery, 
and direct all the improvements in the grounds. 

On the nineteenth of March, 1860, the first selection 
of managers took place, and on the ninth of April the 
board organized and entered upon the discharge of the 
duties assigned them. On the twenty-sixth of that month, 
the board resolved to set apart the twenty-fourth of 
May for the purpose of consecrating and dedicating 
the grounds of Oak Ridge Cemetery for the exclusive 
purpose of a burial place for the dead. The eighth 



348 OAK EIDGE CEMETERY. 

day of May, a meeting was held, consisting of the 
managers, a committee of the city council and the 
clergymen of the city, to make arrangements for the 
ceremonies. On the twenty-fourth, a procession was 
formed and marched to the cemetery, where the exer- 
cises took place. They consisted of singing, prayer, 
instrumental music, an oration by the Hon. J. C. 
Conkling, and the formal dedication by the Hon. G. 
A. Sutton, mayor of the city. 

Upon the recommendations of the board of mana- 
gers, the city continued to make additions to the 
grounds, so that in I860 the cemetery consisted of 
seventy-six and a half acres. Soon after the remains 
of President Lincoln were deposited in the public 
vault. May 4, 1865, the city donated six acres of land, 
or so much of it as might be thought desirable to oc- 
cupy, to the National Lincoln Monument Association, 
and it is upon this ground that the Association has 
erected ths monument. By referring to the map, the 
form and extent of the grounds may be distinguished 
by the dark lines a short distance from the monument. 
It is well to remark here that, although the cemetery 
contains but seventy -six and a half acres, there are about 
ninety-seven acres included in the boundaries given on 
the map, but it is understood that the additions can be 
made whenever it is thought to be desirable. 

For several years the city council appropriated one 
thousand dollars annually to be used in improving the 
grounds, but in 1866 the revenue from the sale of lots 
was such that it was not thought to be necessarv to 
continue the appropriations. In order to create a per- 
manent fund to bring in revenue sufficient to keep up 
the improvements, the board of managers recommended 
and the city council set apart two thousand dollars, 
saved from the sale of lots, as a sinking fund, or rather 
as an endowment fund, and invested it in bonds bear- 
ing ten per cent, interest. In 1867, another thousand 
dollars was added, and additions have since been made, 



OAK EIDGE CEMETERY. 349 

SO that the cemetery fund now amounts to about four 
thousand dollars. 

The four acre plat occupied by the old grave yard, 
donated by Elijah lies, reverted to him when it ceased 
to be used as a place of burial. Mr. lies then deeded 
it to Springfield in trust for the benefit of Oak Ridge 
Cemetery. The land is to be divided into lots and 
sold in the year 1883, and the proceeds of the sales 
kept as a fund forever, the interest to be used in em- 
bellishing the grounds of Oak Ridge Cemetery. There 
is a proviso in the deed favorable to the city purchas- 
ing the land in a body to be used as a public park, if it 
should be thought desirable to do so. 

With a view to extinguishing Hutchinson Cemetery, 
the city, in 1866, commenced giving lots in Oak Ridge 
in exchange for lots of equal size in Hutchinson Ceme- 
tery, the lot ownei's there transferring their lots by 
deed and receiving deeds in Oak Ridge in return. In 
this way the city has already received the title to more 
than half of Hutchinson Cemetery, and the time is 
not far distant when it will receive it all, and then it 
will be sold and added to the endowment fund of Oak 
Ridge. The land in these two old cemeteries amounts 
to about eight acres, and both are near the new State 
House, where land is rapidly rising in value. By the 
time they are to be sold, they will bring such prices as 
to swell the endowment fund of Oak Ridge to such an 
amount that the grounds can be ornamented in the 
very highest style and preserved in that condition. 

The Lincoln Monument grounds being a part of 
Oak Ridge Cemetery, it is proper to state in this place 
that, in September, 1871, a citizen of Bloomington con- 
tributed §500, to be used in grading the grounds around 
the monument. A^nother contribution for the same pur- 
pose was made under the following circumstances : 

The Illinois State Sanitary Commission, organized 
during the war for the suppression of the rebellion, 
was composed of John P. Reynolds, President; Col. 



350 OAK EIDGE CEMETERY. 

John AVilliams, Treasurer ; Col. Woods, Robert Irwin, 
Esq., E. B. Hawley, Esq., and Hon. AVm. Butler. They 
were all citizens of Springfield at the time, but ]Mr. 
Reynolds has removed to Chicago, Col. Woods to 
Winchester, and Mr. Irwin is deceased. 

In addition to the sanitary work, the commission 
attended to the collection of the claims of soldiers 
against the government. At the close of the war, the 
services of the commission being no longer necessary 
in the field, it turned over the claim business in its 
hands to Col. Woods and Edward J. Eno, now of St. 
Louis, with the understanding that a certain per cent, 
of their fees should be paid into the treasury of the 
commission. By this arrangement the commission was 
enabled to relieve the wants of many widows and fam- 
ilies of soldiers, and about the close of the war, it do- 
nated SoOOO to the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Spring- 
field, before the State commenced providing for that 
class of sufferers. 

More funds accumulated, which remained in the 
treasury until January 1, 1872. At that time it 
amounted to -^■2459.83. By a resolution of the com- 
mission, the whole amount was placed in the treasury 
of the National Lincoln Monument Association, to be 
expended in embellishing the grounds. The resolu- 
tion contains a proviso that not less than 3500 were to 
be used in erecting a slab or shaft on the monument 
grounds, which is to contain the names of the Union 
soldiers buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. This leaves 
§1959.83 for ornamenting the grounds. This work is 
under the superintendence of Mr. Samuel Hood, the 
warden of the cemetery, who is an experienced landscape 
gardener. ISIr. Hood became sexton or warden of the 
cemetery in the spring of 1867. His books show the 
total number of interments from the beginning of the 
register, in 1858, to the first of January, 1872, to be 
2134, removals from Hutchinson Cemetery 319, and 
removals from other places 133^ making a total of 



OAK RIDGE CEMETERY. 351 

2586. The remains of Governor !Ninian Edwards, the 
first territorial governor of Illinois, were removed from 
Hutchinson to Oak Ridge, October 30, 1866. Gover- 
nor William H. Bissell, who died in office in 1860, 
was buried in Hutchinson Cemetery. A very fine 
monument, at a cost of $5000 to the State of Illinois, 
was erected to his memory in Oak Ridge, under the 
supervision of Hon. Jesse K. Dubois and Hon. O. M. 
Hatch, who filled the offices of Secretary and Auditor 
of State while he was Governor. The remains of the 
Governor and his wife were removed to Oak Ridge, 
with imposing demonstrations and an oration by Gov- 
ernor Palmer, May 30, 1871. A fine marble shaft 
stands in a conspicuous place over the remains of 
General Ishani N. Haynie, who died while he was 
Adjutant General of Illinois. Twenty -one other Union 
soldiers are buried in different parts of the grounds. 

Oak Ridge Cemetery is situated near the northwest 
corner of the city of Springfield, and is one and a half 
miles due north of the new State House. A deep ra- 
vine runs from east to west through the cemetery, di- 
viding it into almost equal parts. The original ceme- 
tery was altogether north of this ravine, and for that 
reason the oldest and best improvements are in that 
part of the grounds. The entrance to the original 
cemetery is at the east side, from the northern exten- 
sion of Third street, the gate being just north of the 
ravine. By consulting the map, the reader will ob- 
serve that the entrance is by a wide avenue that 
branches off in various directions so as to extend over 
all the northern part of the cemetery. The map also 
shows that the south entrance is nearer the city than 
that on the east. Funerals, and parties visiting the 
cemetery in carriages, usually enter at the south gate, 
while those who wish to visit the monument and other 
parts of the cemetery on foot go out Fifth street on the 
City railway, to the railway park, which is seen on the 
east side of the map. 



352 OAK RIDGE CEMETERY. 

Going due west from the east gate, you ai'e soon on 
the south side of the ravine, which brings you to the 
receiving tomb, where the remains of Abraham Lin- 
coln were placed May 4, 1865. It is a solid stone 
structure, built in the south bank and faces north. 
About fifty yards southeast of this vault, and about 
half way to the top of the bluff, stood the tomb which 
was built for the temporary sepulture of the remains 
of the President, and in which they rested from De- 
cember 21, 1865, until September 1871, when they 
were removed into the monument. After their last 
removal, the tomb vacated was torn down and the 
ground where it stood graded down about fifteen feet, 
as previously stated. The relative position of the re- 
ceiving vault, the temporary tomb and the monument 
is all shown on the map. Just east of the monument 
there is a new avenue, beautifully graded and grav- 
eled. Following that south leads to the south gate, 
at the northern extension of Second street, which, at 
that point, is called Monument avenue. 

For a cemetery so new, and for a city of such lim- 
ited population, the improvements are unusually good. 
The grounds, naturally beautiful, have been very much 
improved by art, and are susceptible of the highest 
ornamentation. The great attraction that will draw 
visitors from all parts of the world for all coming 
time, is the Mausoleum containing the remains of the 
martyred President. 




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